Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We're doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online.
As a team, we’ve launched two satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.
Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!
Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.
Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!
As our Environmental Test Team Lead you will have the unique challenge of testing our spacecraft and its sub-assemblies and components through the simulated harsh environments of space. You will be responsible for building and leading a world class test team to execute any and all testing required to achieve the mission at Astranis.
The goal of producing 24/year of our next-generation Omega spacecraft relies heavily on our ability to rapidly ramp up our test capability without sacrificing quality. If you are a proven environmental test leader, and thrive in a fast-paced total-ownership environment, and are ready for your next challenge - this role might be for you.
Role:
- Lead a team of test engineers, specialists, and technicians to test spacecraft hardware, including hiring and managing direct reports.
- Manage day-to-day activities of the environmental test lab, and maintain the lab’s operational readiness to support 24/7 operations for critical test campaigns.
- Create and enforce quality standards and processes to ensure proper test and verification of satellite hardware.
- Create and enforce a culture of safety and quality throughout the workplace.
- Work closely with design engineering teams to evaluate and influence hardware designs for test-ability, and implement effective, robust, and efficient test strategies to enable factory output growth targets.
- Develop new processes, GSE, test assets, and tooling to support the test of new hardware designs, as well as continuous improvement of existing processes.
- Lead efforts to automate test assets and processes to enable “lights out” test operations.
- Create, maintain and communicate detailed schedules, ensuring your team and other stakeholders are aware of milestones and deadlines.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent technical degree.
- 5+ years of working experience in testing electronics, electro-mechanical assemblies, or integrated systems.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a lab and/or production facilities, equipment, and operations.
- Experience in thermal, thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, HALT/HASS, or acoustic testing.
- Proven leadership through project management, mentorship, and people management experience.
- Strong communication (written and verbal), organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Strong mechanical systems engineering intuition and critical thinking. Comfort with ambiguity and turning high-level requirements into clear design/test objectives.
- Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and team focus with extensive multitasking and organizational experience.
- Must be onsite 5 days a week and have the ability to support 24/7 operations when needed for critical test campaigns.
- Direct management experience of engineers, specialists, and/or technicians.
- Experience with space flight components and spacecraft environmental testing.
- Experience with designing and building electrical harnesses and connectors.
- Experience in a fast-paced, iterative design or manufacturing environment within the aerospace, automotive, or consumer electronics industries.
What we offer:
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Salary
$150,000—$195,000 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.
What We Do
Astranis is building small, low-cost telecommunications satellites. Our mission is to help get online the 4 billion people who are without internet access.