Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms

Ascendarc

Beaverton on site Until 9/9/2026 5+ years exp First posted July 11, 2026 Last posted July 11, 2026

Job description

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical team as a Test Engineer – Structures and Mechanisms developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.

AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and integrate test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware to effectively test spacecraft structures and mechanisms.
Assist responsible engineers in design and/or concepting of functional, environmental, and qualification tests, including thermal, vibration, shock, deployment, and pressure testing.
Support test readiness reviews, drive testing schedules, and ensure safe test operations
Develop responsive testing infrastructure, generate roadmap for executing spacecraft qualification, define resource and infrastructure needs to achieve company milestones

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience designing and building test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware for aerospace or high-reliability systems
Hands-on experience with test execution and familiarity with environmental and structural testing (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.)
Strong ability to gather and interpret test requirements from cross-functional stakeholders to develop practical tooling and fixture solutions
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and mechanical analysis tools
Data acquisition and management experience
Hands-on mindset with experience in rapid prototyping, fabrication, and iterative build-test cycles

Who We’re Looking For

We’re searching for exceptional talent at any career stage — from early-career engineers to senior and staff-level experts. Compensation will be adjusted accordingly. More than years of experience, we value high-caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.

We’re looking for people who:

Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.

Hybrid Work

This position is based at our Beaverton office. We value the collaboration that comes from working together in person, while also supporting flexibility. Team members typically spend three days a week in the office and may work from home up to two days each week.

The base salary range for this position is $120,000-190,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor or legally protected status.

About this role

Summary

Design, build tests, and support spacecraft structural testing processes.

Job title

Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms

Experience level

5+ years

Minimum experience

5+ years exp

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

On-site in Beaverton, hybrid work supported.

Salary

$120k–$190k

Management role

Skills & keywords

Required skills

test fixturesCAD softwarethermal testingvibration testingshock testingdata acquisition

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

structural testingmechanical engineeringaerospace

Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Beaverton, OR, USA

Hybrid City