Electrical Test Engineer (Starshield)
The Electrical Test Engineer at Confidential Client's Starshield program is responsible for designing and developing custom test systems for satellite electronic hardware, ensuring the safety and reliability of spacecraft components. This role involves creating test solutions, automating test procedures using Python, collaborating with engineering teams to enhance product reliability, and performing root cause analysis on test failures. The position supports national security efforts by rigorously testing flight hardware and requires hands-on problem solving and innovation in a high-impact aerospace environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an Electrical Test Engineer to design, develop, and maintain test systems for electronic flight hardware used in satellite programs. This is a hands-on engineering role based in Hawthorne, CA, focused on building robust test solutions, automating test workflows, and ensuring hardware reliability for high‑consequence space systems.
What You’ll Do
You will design and implement end-to-end test solutions for flight electronics and associated subsystems, validate hardware against product requirements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve yield and reliability.
- Design, develop, and maintain custom test systems for electronics, optics, RF antennas/modulators, and electro-mechanical hardware
- Select COTS instrumentation and design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
- Develop automation software (primarily Python) to control units under test, test equipment, and instrumentation
- Integrate test systems with production documentation and tracking systems
- Provide actionable feedback to design and manufacturing engineers to improve test coverage and product reliability
- Root-cause test anomalies and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline with emphasis in electronics
- 1+ years of experience in electronic hardware development or software development (academic projects, internships, or professional experience qualify)
- 1+ years programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or Embedded C/C++
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Circuit analysis and development of functional test plans
- Object-oriented software development experience
- PCBA design, debugging and troubleshooting
- Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, DMMs, DAQs and measurement techniques
- RF test experience: spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators
- Familiarity with electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing practices
- Understanding of metrology, measurement error sources, and uncertainty analysis
- Environmental testing experience (HALT, HASS, vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, EMI/EMC)
- Active Secret / Top Secret / TS-SCI clearance or ability to obtain one (desired but not required)
Additional Requirements
- May require extended hours and weekend support to meet project and mission milestones
- Ability to lift and handle heavy harnesses and test fixtures
- If cleared work is assigned, candidates may be subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing
- Must meet ITAR-related eligibility (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise eligible per U.S. Department of State rules)
Compensation & Benefits
Pay ranges (base salary):
- Electrical Test Engineer — Level I: $105,000 - $122,500 per year
- Electrical Test Engineer — Level II: $120,000 - $150,000 per year
Actual pay will be determined case-by-case based on experience, skills, and job level. Candidates with an active clearance may receive a differential (up to a stated cap). Benefits may include long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), potential bonuses, ESPP access, medical/vision/dental coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid time off (including at least three weeks vacation and 10+ paid holidays), and compliant sick leave accrual.
Location & Eligibility
- Location: Hawthorne, CA (on-site)
- ITAR/export-control eligibility required as described above
Why Join
This role offers the chance to build and own test systems for mission-critical flight hardware in a fast-paced, innovative environment. If you enjoy hands-on engineering, solving complex test problems, and collaborating across design and manufacturing teams to improve product robustness, this role is a strong match.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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