Test Engineer I

This is a unique position the requires you to utilize your electrical, mechanical and software skills.  Being an expert in all is not required, but a basic understanding coupled with the ability to perform some tasks in each domain is.  As an EGSE Engineer at Sierra Space you get to work on create custom test systems the provide critical functions an array of products.   These include power systems to support the Dream Chaser from test to launch through landing.  Or you maybe part of the communications test rack used on the satellite flat sat.   

While working with a broad range of groups you help to define the requirements, do the detailed design, write the software, and then help during execution.  This not only requires someone with a large skill set, but someone with the desire to support the entire campaign.  In this role others will rely on your expertise to know the electrical interface of the vehicle and best practices on how to safely connect the equipment. 

The ideal candidate has a willingness to learn and take on new challenges that stretches one’s comfort level.  Tasks include, working with other teams to understand the true need, then design equipment to exceed the expectations.  This is done by picking out high-quality equipment (such as DAQ’s, power supplies, relays etc.)  Then creating a robust design wiring all the components together and finally gluing everything together using software to create seamless operation. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering or other related discipline and typically 0-2 years of experience 

• Conceptual knowledge of engineering principles and practices 

• Familiarity working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams 

• Knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration 

• Exposure to planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated experience automating mechanical or electrical assemblies. This could be in a formal work environment or demonstrated through hobbies. E.g. Arduino, PLC, LabVIEW or other methods of automation. 

• A bias towards taking action  

• The willingness to seek out information from other people or sources of documentation 

• Ability to learn new programming languages or protocols as required to facilitate test rack builds. 

• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to determine where physical components or software are required to facilitate functionality. 

• Ability to use service manuals or other documentation in order to interface with hardware using software 

• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry 

• Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies to include manual and automated testing 

• Ability to prepare complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports in order to demonstrate compliance to system requirements 

• Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles and experienced in generation and disposition of product non-conformances 

• Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques 

• Demonstrated experience building and/or designing custom electronics boxes which may contain power supplies, voltage transformers, data acquisition modules, switches, relays etc. 

• Used serial or Ethernet connections to communicate and control instruments, such as power supplies and oscilloscopes 

• Familiarity with various sensor types and how those sensors communicate with automated systems, e.g. 4-20 mA signals, digital communication with instrumentation, typical mechanical and electrical sensors such as load cells, strain gauges, current and volt meters. 

• Experience with basic electronics components such as filters, relays, switches, connectors (e.g. bayonet, d-sub, banana jacks) 

• Familiar with motors and motor controllers 

• Demonstrated experience writing complex LabVIEW scripts to automate electromechanical assemblies or other hardware. 

• Demonstrated experience using NI.com DAQ hardware and software 

• Comfortable using third party software and hardware drivers 

• Ability to read and interpret legacy code to add new functionality.