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Aerospace, Space Technology, Defense, Intelligence, Big Data, Analytics

Space Test Engineer

Herndon, VAOnsiteFull TimeEntry-level (exp-based)$70,000–$115,000 /yrPosted 22 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • spacecraft subsystems
  • RF geospatial analytics
  • small commercial satellites
  • integration and test environment
  • technical decisions
  • limited oversight
  • ESD
  • cleanroom protocols
  • flight hardware
  • flatsats

Nice to have

  • smallsat industry
  • space industry
  • expensive electronic components
  • complex electromechanical systems
  • RF systems

Role summary

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Space Test Engineer for its AI&T Team to design, build, and test small commercial satellites for RF geospatial analytics. The role involves serving as a technical owner for spacecraft-level test programs, modernizing procedures, and ensuring rigorous verification. Responsibilities include executing functional and environmental tests, analyzing results, designing ground support equipment (EGSE/MGSE), collaborating on automated test scripts, and supporting launch site integration. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, 1-5 years of experience, proficiency in Python, CAD software experience, and strong analytical skills. Experience with aerospace test procedures, EGSE/MGSE design, PCB design, and lab equipment is desirable.

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Space Test Engineer to join the Assembly, Integration, & Test (AI&T) Team. The Space Team’s mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics.

In this role, you will serve as a technical owner for development, improvement, and execution of spacecraft-level test programs. You will modernize existing test procedures, design new ones, and ensure that HawkEye 360’s spacecraft are verified with rigor, efficiency, and engineering excellence. This position requires strong hands-on experience, systems-level awareness, and the ability to design test support equipment that enables reliable validation of complex RF payloads and spacecraft subsystems.

Your main responsibilities will be:

  • Independently execute unit-level and spacecraft-level functional tests, analyze results, and drive updates to test procedures based on findings.
  • Modernize existing test procedures to increase clarity, efficiency, and coverage.
  • Design, plan and execute environmental tests (TVAC, Vibe, EMI/EMC, radiation)
  • Design harnessing, electrical and mechanical ground support equipment (EGSE and MGSE) to facilitate I&T work for flatsats and flight hardware
  • Collaborate with the software team to execute and implement automated test scripts and framework
  • Develop and refine detailed design documents, interface control drawing (ICD’s), test plans, and test procedures across spacecraft subsystems.
  • Support launch site integration and test campaigns
  • Work with limited oversight in a fast-paced integration and test environment, making informed technical decisions and escalating issues appropriately.

    • Skills and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1-5 years professional experience
  • Proficiency in Python or another high-level programming language, preferably for automated testing.
  • Experience with CAD software (NX, Solidworks, or similar)
  • Strong analytical and strategic skills, with excellent written and presentation abilities.
  • Experience developing or improving aerospace test procedures, verification flows, or test infrastructure
  • Experience designing or modifying EGSE/MGSE to support spacecraft integration.
  • Ability to work onsite and hands-on with spacecraft hardware, following strict ESD and cleanroom protocols.

    • Desirable

  • Interest working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
  • Experience handling expensive electronic components (ESD and Cleanroom best practices).
  • Experience with Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design using Altium.
  • Experience writing technical documentation such as test procedures and test plans
  • Experience using lab equipment such as Digital Multimeters, Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Signal Generators, and Thermal Chambers
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in complex electromechanical or RF systems

    • We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus, benefits and equity. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

    Salary Range$70,000—$115,000 USD

    Company Overview:

    HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.

    HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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