Senior Automation & Test Engineer (Python)

Summary

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.   

Terran Orbital Corporation is seeking an experienced Senior Automation & Test Engineer to join our growing team. The candidate will play a crucial part in revolutionizing our production capabilities by designing and implementing automated satellite vehicle test systems. Your primary focus will be to reduce operator interaction by automating testing at the satellite vehicle level. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will design, develop, and deploy test automation frameworks, optimize test scripts, and be a driving force behind our space vehicle deliveries! 

With a passion for scaling automation, you will be at the forefront of innovation driving advancements in automated testing and production scaling. Your test software and hardware expertise will be invaluable in developing robust automation systems and ensuring seamless integration of automation solutions into our manufacturing processes. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain efficient, reusable, and reliable frameworks and test scripts
• Automate test cases and integrate them into the software deployment pipeline
• Improve test coverage by identifying untested code areas and developing appropriate unit and system tests to cover them
• Perform individual and group code reviews to ensure the quality and functionality of automated tests
• Analyze and enhance performance testing strategies for complex systems
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and team members
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to identify opportunities for automation and process improvements
• Work with hardware engineers and software developers to define system requirements and ensure seamless integration of automated solutions
• Create software verification matrices to show system test requirements coverage
• Conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations on the implementation of automation technologies to support high-volume production
• Develop and execute test plans to validate the functionality and performance of satellite hardware
• Communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities to engineering and leadership clearly and effectively
• Document design specifications, test procedures, code documentation and user manuals for automation systems
• Provide technical support and training to end-users, ensuring smooth adoption and operation of automated systems
• Support debugging and troubleshooting on-site and remotely during off hours as needed. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Test Automation with a focus on Python
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles, including software architecture, design patterns, unit testing, source code control (such as SVN or Git) and best practices
• Extensive knowledge of Python programming and its application in test automation
• 2+ year of experience working in an Agile environment
• Well-versed in various QA methodologies, tools, and processes
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong knowledge of hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., GPIB, USB, Ethernet, RS-485, RS-422)
• Experience with hardware integration, including data acquisition devices (DIO, AIO), electronic loads, programmable power supplies, and digital multimeters (DMM)
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills to identify and resolve technical issues
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality automated solutions.

Additional Differentiators

• Certifications in Python, test automation, or other relevant areas
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Well-versed in containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes
• Experienced with NI TestStand, LabVIEW and PXI hardware
• Experience in object-oriented software development
• Skilled in conducting data analysis and creating visual representations
• Proficient in working with and connecting to databases like MongoDB or MySQL
• Experienced in working within a real-world production environment
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis techniques
• Prior experience in scaling automation for high-volume manufacturing environments

Benefits

   Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Salary Range $110,000-$150,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!     

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.