Senior Mechanical Engineer – Test (Spacecraft Hardware)

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Test (Spacecraft Hardware) 

Outpost is developing reusable, high‑performance spacecraft to make space logistics more sustainable and accessible. We design, build, and test spacecraft hardware end‑to‑end, with a strong focus on rapid iteration, rigorous qualification, and hands‑on engineering across disciplines.  

The Role 

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer – Test who will own the mechanical test and qualification process for spacecraft components and vehicles from concept through execution and data analysis. This is a deeply mechanical role with elements of mechatronics, instrumentation, and software for data acquisition, with strong ownership over how our hardware is qualified for flight.  

You will design and build test fixtures and portable test racks, define test plans (qualification, acceptance, drop, load, vibration, deployment, etc.), execute tests, and analyze results to inform design and certification decisions. Rather than “pressing the button” on pre‑defined procedures, you will create new tests and infrastructure for new products in a fast‑moving space startup environment.  

Responsibilities 

• Own mechanical test and qualification activities for spacecraft components and vehicles, from requirements interpretation through test execution and reporting. 
• Develop test strategies and plans for qualification tests, acceptance tests, drop/load tests, deployment tests, and other space‑relevant environments.  
• Design, model, and document mechanical test fixtures, jigs, stands, and custom setups (e.g., for heat shield, mechanisms, and structural testing).  
• Architect and help implement portable test racks integrating power supplies, sensors, data acquisition, and control hardware into organized, reusable systems.  
• Define instrumentation approaches (load cells, strain gauges, displacement, pressure, temperature, etc.) and work with electrical teammates to integrate sensors and wiring.  
• Implement and/or specify data acquisition and control software using tools such as LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB for test automation and data collection.  
• Perform data reduction and analysis to extract key metrics, identify anomalies, and drive design or test configuration changes. 
• Create and maintain clear test documentation: test procedures, configuration drawings, calibration records, data packages, and test reports aligned with NASA‑style standards. 
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings and basic circuit/connection diagrams to ensure correct test configuration and boundary conditions.  
• Collaborate closely with design, systems, and manufacturing engineers to ensure tests meaningfully qualify hardware and trace back to requirements.  
• Contribute to the development of internal test standards and best practices, leveraging NASA and industry qualification guidelines as the “test bible.” 
• Provide technical leadership on test approach and infrastructure (technical management), even if you do not directly manage people.  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in hardware test development. 
• Strong, hands‑on mechanical background with experience designing and building test fixtures, stands, and mechanical setups for hardware tests.  
• Experience developing or significantly contributing to new tests for aerospace, space, or similarly high‑reliability hardware (not just operating existing, legacy rigs). 
• Familiarity with spacecraft or launch vehicle components, or other space/aviation hardware where qualification and reliability are critical.  
• Comfort working with sensors and instrumentation (wiring, basic electrical understanding) sufficient to own test setups without being an electrical engineer.  
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis using at least one of: LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.  
• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings (and basic circuit diagrams) to set up tests correctly and understand what is being verified.  
• Demonstrated ownership of end‑to‑end test efforts: planning, setup, execution, troubleshooting, and reporting.  
• Strong documentation habits and familiarity with following structured standards and guidelines (e.g., NASA‑style test and qualification documents).  
• Willingness to be hands‑on in the lab, build things from scratch, and iterate quickly in a startup environment.  

We are less focused on minimum years of experience and more interested in candidates who have truly developed tests and infrastructure themselves, rather than only operating pre‑defined procedures at large, highly bureaucratic companies.  

Preferred Experience 

• Experience in space startups or new‑product aerospace programs (rockets, satellites, spacecraft mechanisms) where tests were created from scratch. 
• Prior work with portable test racks or integrated test benches combining power, DAQ, and control in a cohesive system.
• Familiarity with NASA test/qualification standards and ASME Y14.5 drawing conventions at a functional level. 

Compensation & Benefits

• $150,000 - $180,000; Salary may vary with experience          
• Incentive Stock Options
• Annual Performance-Based Bonus
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 401k with Company match
• Subsidized daily catered lunch, snacks and coffee