Test Engineer, Satellite Manufacturing

Test Engineer, Satellite Manufacturing

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a hands-on and motivated Test Engineer to support the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) of satellite electronic systems, with a strong focus on building and scaling production capabilities.

This role will play a key part in transitioning from early production builds to serial manufacturing. You will be responsible not only for testing and validation of flight hardware, but also for developing robust, scalable test systems and processes to support increasing production volumes.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

Test Development & Execution

• Develop, maintain, and execute test procedures for:
• Electronic assemblies (PCBAs, harnesses)
• Subsystems (avionics, power, RF)
• Fully integrated satellite systems
• Define test criteria and pass/fail requirements
• Perform functional and system-level testing using lab equipment

Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT)

• Support satellite integration and system validation activities
• Perform end-to-end testing of spacecraft prior to qualification and launch readiness
• Verify electrical interfaces, system performance, and operational functionality

Environmental & Qualification Testing

• Support and execute environmental test campaigns, including:
• Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing
• Vibration and shock (shaker) testing
• Thermal cycling and functional testing under environmental conditions
• Prepare test setups, instrumentation, and monitoring
• Analyze results and ensure compliance with qualification requirements

Test Systems, Racks & Production Scaling

• Design, develop, and deploy:
• Test racks / test benches
• Test fixtures and interface hardware
• Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE)
• Develop scalable and repeatable test solutions to support serial production
• Contribute to test automation (Python, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Optimize test time, throughput, and reliability

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose and resolve test failures across all levels (PCBA → system)
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Identify recurring issues and drive design-for-test (DFT) improvements
• Improve yield, reduce test escapes, and enhance production efficiency

Production & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Support day-to-day production testing activities during ramp-up
• Work closely with technicians and manufacturing teams
• Interface with design, quality, and industrial engineering teams
• Contribute to scaling the production line from low-rate to higher-volume manufacturing

Documentation & Compliance

• Create and maintain test procedures, reports, and logs
• Ensure traceability and configuration control
• Support compliance with aerospace and quality standards (ECSS, IPC, internal processes)

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing
• Experience in electronics testing, system integration, or manufacturing
• Strong understanding of analog and digital electronics
• Ability to read schematics and wiring diagrams
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in satellite, aerospace, or high-reliability industry
• Experience in production ramp-up or industrialization
• Knowledge of AIT environments and processes
• Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, thermal)
• Experience developing test racks, fixtures, or EGSE
• Programming experience (Python, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Familiarity with IPC standards, ESD, and aerospace quality systems
• Experience with RF, avionics, or power systems

Key Competencies

• Hands-on, proactive engineering mindset
• Ability to work in an evolving environment with changing priorities
• Strong ownership and accountability
• Continuous improvement and problem-solving mindset
• Effective communication across multidisciplinary teams

Work Environment

• Combination of laboratory, cleanroom, and production floor work
• Involvement in environmental testing facilities (TVAC, shaker)
• Dynamic environment focused on building and scaling production capabilities
• Work location: Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU/NATO/National SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance
• Willingness to work 100% onsite from office

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SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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