Test Engineering Manager

Wanna join the adventure?
The Test Engineering Manager plays a critical role in the development and deployment of Loft’s satellites. This position is responsible for leading a team of test engineers and test technicians to develop and execute tests for hardware at all levels of the product structure. The Test Engineering Manager ensures that all components and systems meet design specifications, quality standards, and are prepared for launch or delivery within program or mission timelines. Additionally, this role involves creating standard processes, driving test automation, and coordinating test requirements and resources throughout the company.
*Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions.  We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t ‘check all the boxes.

About This Role:

• Lead and direct the planning, execution, and completion of test activities for all Loft satellite production, ensuring alignment with quality, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Lead and manage a matrixed team of engineers and technicians, cultivating a collaborative team environment, to meet project milestones and organizational goals.
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams, Program managers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment between program objectives and test activities.
• Develop and implement strategies for efficient and effective integration and test processes, including automation when applicable.
• Oversee the setup and operation of test facilities and equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Lead test readiness reviews, and participate in hardware design reviews, requirements reviews, and other milestone events to identify risks and develop mitigation and/or execution strategies.
• Analyze test data, document test results, and provide detailed reports to support design validation and certification efforts.
• Manage resources, schedules, and budgets associated with Test activities.
• Stay on top of industry trends, technologies, and best practices in aerospace assembly, integration, and testing.

Must Haves:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Previous direct leadership experience with engineers participating in satellite production/test
• Proven track record of implementing cost control and budgeting measures
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on team-building and positive customer relations.
• Previous experience with test requirements management, test procedure writing/execution and test automation within aerospace industry.
• Proficient with variety of software tools, including but not limited to: MS Office Suite, JIRA, Confluence, Grafana and Python.
• A strong problem-solving orientation and the ability to guide complex projects to successful completion.

Nice to Haves:

• Background in Software and/or Electrical Engineering, with specific experience in test development
• Experience in hardware/software integration and development of test equipment
• Previous experience with developing procedures in First Resonance Ion

Some of Our Awesome Benefits:

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
• Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
• 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan and equity options
• Daily catered lunches and snacks
• International exposure to our team in France
• Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for primary caregiver and 10 weeks for secondary caregiver
• Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
• Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
• Relocation assistance when applicable

Who We Are
Loft Orbital builds “shareable” satellites, providing a fast & simple path to orbit for organizations that require access to space. Powered by our hardware & software products, we operate satellites, fly customer payloads onboard, and handle entire missions from end to end - significantly reducing the lead-time and risk of a traditional space mission.
Our standard interface enables us to fly multiple customer payloads on the same satellite, with capabilities such as earth imagery, weather & climate /science data collection, IoT connectivity, in-orbit demonstrations, and