Leads vehicle-level integration for a crewed lunar rover from build through functional checkout and test handoff. Defines system integration and test strategies, leads complex integrated tests and anomaly investigations, establishes integration standards, specifies ground support equipment and facility needs, manages readiness reviews, and drives cross-functional execution. The role also mentors engineers and technicians and supports hazardous operations, launch campaigns, and manufacturing readiness.
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
Astrolab is looking for a Sr. Integration Engineer to be a technical leader for how our CLV-1 crewed lunar rover is integrated and proven ready for test, launch, and lunar mission operations. You will define the vehicle-level integration flow and system integration and test (SI&T) approach, lead the most complex integration operations and anomaly investigations, and help establish integration engineering as a discipline at Astrolab. This role bridges Manufacturing Engineering and our Test team, owning the vehicle from build through functional checkout and handoff to test.
What you'll do:
- Own large portions of the vehicle-level integration flow for our rover builds, including build sequence, integration levels, and verification at each step through final closeout and ship
- Define the SI&T approach with Systems Engineering and the Test team: what is verified during integration versus environmental and qualification testing, and how functional checkouts repeat between campaigns
- Lead complex integration operations and integrated vehicle tests, including first vehicle power-on, end-to-end functional tests, mobility checkouts, and hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Lead investigations into anomalous vehicle behavior across mechanical, electrical, and software boundaries; represent integration at quality review boards
- Lead integration and manufacturing readiness reviews for major program milestones
- Develop and institutionalize integration standards, including procedure templates, safe-to-mate practices, hazardous operations (high-voltage batteries, critical lifts), and workmanship
- Define requirements for integration GSE/EGSE, vehicle handling equipment, and integration facility layout
- Outline detailed integration plans and drive cross functional execution
- Mentor earlier career engineers and technicians, and serve as technical lead for cross-disciplinary integration efforts
What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field
- 5+ years of integration, test, or manufacturing engineering experience on complex flight hardware such as spacecraft, launch vehicles, planetary or lunar surface systems, crewed vehicles, or aircraft
- Hands-on experience leading vehicle- or system-level integration of flight hardware through functional test and handoff into environmental testing
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience integrating vehicle hardware on crewed or human-rated vehicles, or on NASA flight programs
- Demonstrated ownership of anomaly investigations on integrated electromechanical systems, driven to root cause under schedule pressure
- Strong understanding of vehicle electrical architecture (power distribution, harnessing, data buses, grounding and bonding)
- High-voltage and lithium-ion battery integration and safety on crewed vehicles, or EV powertrain integration
- Experience defining test philosophies; working understanding of GSFC-STD-7000 (GEVS) and SMC-S-016
- Deep understanding of industry and NASA workmanship and fastener standards (NASA-STD-8739 series, NASA-STD-5020, J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620)
- Proficiency with CAD modeling software (e.g., NX), and a working knowledge of GD&T
- Experience creating and managing integration work instructions via MES/MRP software (e.g. Manufacturo)
- Proficiency in developing, collating, and documenting best practices and organizational level process improvement in Jira / Confluence
- Launch campaign experience
- Experience planning critical lifts and hazardous operations; familiarity with NASA-STD-8719.9
- Experience leading and mentoring engineers and technicians
Benefits and Perks
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
About
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life. Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Astrolab, Inc. Hawthorne, California, USA Office
Hawthorne, CA, United States
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