Job description:
The Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Engineer is responsible for developing, executing, and documenting test procedures for space technology systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class spacecraft to ensure performance, functionality, and reliability in support of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space missions. This role involves integrating spacecraft hardware and software components, conducting space-qualified environmental testing, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine mission designs.
The AI&T engineer will support the full testing lifecycle for spaceflight experiments, including:
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Spacecraft assembly and integration: Hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft buses, payloads, and experiments within government clean room facilities at Kirtland AFB
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Space environmental testing: Conduct and support functional and environmental testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustic, EMI/EMC, and other space-qualification tests
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Launch integration: Support flight experiment integration at launch sites, including mechanical installation, functional testing, inspection, and day-of-launch processes
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Test facility management: Support government integration facility operations, including laboratory safety, clean room protocols, ESD procedures, and compliance with aerospace safety standards
This position requires hands-on experience with space hardware, understanding of spaceflight environmental requirements, and the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) supporting cradle-to-grave space mission lifecycles from concept through launch and operations.
Key Responsibilities:
System Assembly and Integration:
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Perform hands-on assembly and integration of spacecraft buses, payloads, and experiments within government facilities
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Support integration of CubeSat through ESPA-class spacecraft and high-altitude balloon systems
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Integrate flight hardware and software components, ensuring proper interfaces and functionality
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Support spacecraft mechanical installation, harnessing, thermal blanketing, and system closeouts
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Coordinate with spacecraft subsystem engineers (power, communications, attitude control, propulsion, structures)
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Maintain clean room protocols, ESD procedures, and contamination control standards
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Support government integration facility management including equipment maintenance and calibration
Space Environmental Testing:
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Develop and execute test plans for space-qualified environmental testing:
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Thermal vacuum testing (hot/cold operational and survival temperatures)
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Vibration and shock testing (simulating launch environments)
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Acoustic testing (launch vehicle acoustic environments)
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EMI/EMC testing (electromagnetic compatibility for space systems)
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Functional testing (end-to-end spacecraft operations verification)
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Conduct systems-level tests to evaluate performance of spacecraft, balloon, and ground systems/subsystems
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Operate and maintain test equipment including thermal chambers, shake tables, and RF test equipment
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Perform data reduction, analysis, and review of functional and environmental test results
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Develop documented data acquisition, processing, analysis, and modeling/simulation tools for test evaluations
Test Planning & Documentation:
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Develop comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and test cases for spacecraft verification and validation
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Draft and review test specifications and user's guides
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Prepare Safety Plans and Risk Management Plans for test activities
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Document experimental processes and results to allow independent reproduction of tests
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Participate in programmatic, technical, and safety reviews
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Conduct reliability, operability, interoperability, and performance assessments
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Maintain test reports, compliance artifacts, and lessons learned documentation
Launch Integration Support:
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Support flight experiment launch integration activities at launch sites
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Support telemetry archiving, analysis, and post-launch documentation
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Pack, protect, and ship flight experiments and support equipment to launch facilities
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Support hardware and software integration in preparation for launch, including:
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Mechanical installation and interface verification
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Functional testing and health checks
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Thermal blanketing and final closeouts
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Inspection and fairing integration
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Range safety procedures
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Day-of-launch processes and anomaly resolution
Integration Facility Management:
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Maintain and upgrade government integration capabilities and equipment
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Identify and recommend mitigation for hazardous situations in workspaces, test facilities, integration areas, and pre-launch facilities
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Support government integration facility management, including:
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Personnel training on laboratory equipment and safety procedures
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Facility security and access control compliance
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Safety compliance and hazard identification Maintain and upgrade government integration capabilities and equipment
Root Cause Analysis & Re-engineering:
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Analyze test results, troubleshoot issues, and support root cause analysis for test failures
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Support re-engineering and re-design of software and hardware after testing
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Implement corrective actions and retest to verify fixes
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Document failure modes, lessons learned, and design improvements
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:
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Work closely with systems engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and operations personnel
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Support direct analytical, technician, and systems engineering tasks of the RVE Assembly, Integration, and Testing Infrastructure Lead(s)
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Provide technical support for design reviews, customer demonstrations, and field testing
This is a junior level position.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Education/ Years of Relevant Experience: 0+ years of experience with BS degree
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Clearance: TS with ability to obtain SCI.
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U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
Compensation:
Our team offers competitive benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance, and robust professional development and education opportunities.
Location:
Onsite at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM
