Civil Test Engineer- Test Site

YOUR MISSION 

We are seeking a hands-on Civil Test Engineer to design, build, and maintain the physical infrastructure that enables spacecraft test operations. You will be embedded within the test operations team, supporting propulsion, fluids, mechanical, and environmental test campaigns by ensuring test site infrastructure, ground support equipment structural systems, and facility utilities are ready to execute. In this role, you will design and construct test stands and structural supports, manage site civil infrastructure including concrete pads and utility systems, oversee facilities maintenance and upgrades, and interface with regulatory agencies on permits and site compliance. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a startup environment where facilities engineering is mission-critical test enablement, not a separate support function. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Design, fabricate, and commission test stands, structural supports, mounting hardware, and physical infrastructure required for propulsion, fluids, and mechanical test campaigns. 

• Manage site civil infrastructure including concrete pads, foundations, utility runs (water, compressed gases, electrical, drainage), and piping support structures. 

• Develop structural and civil engineering designs for test facility modifications, expansions, and ground support equipment installations. 

• Conduct structural load analysis and FEA to verify test stand and GSE design adequacy for operational loads, blast overpressure, and environmental conditions. 

• Coordinate with test engineers to understand upcoming campaign requirements and proactively address infrastructure readiness gaps. 

• Establish and execute preventive maintenance programs for test site infrastructure, utilities, and structural systems to ensure zero unplanned downtime. 

• Interface with local authorities, permitting agencies, and contractors on site construction permits, building code compliance, and environmental permits. 

• Develop site capacity plans that identify when infrastructure upgrades are required to support test tempo, new test capabilities, or hardware scaling. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in civil, structural, mechanical engineering, or related technical discipline. 

• Years of relevant experience in facilities engineering, civil engineering, or structural engineering for aerospace, industrial, or test infrastructure in line with engineering level. 

• Hands-on experience designing and building structural systems, test stands, or industrial infrastructure. 

• Working knowledge of structural analysis, concrete design, steel fabrication, and construction practices. 

• Experience coordinating with contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies on construction projects and site permits. 

• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, structural drawings, and P&ID diagrams. 

• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent infrastructure projects. 

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts. 

 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Master's degree in civil, structural, or mechanical engineering. 

• Professional Engineering (PE) license in civil or structural engineering. 

• Experience with test facility design, aerospace ground support equipment, or launch pad infrastructure. 

• Proficiency with structural analysis software (ANSYS, Abaqus, SAP2000, RISA) and CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor). 

• Familiarity with propellant handling infrastructure, high-pressure gas systems, and hazardous material storage regulations. 

• Experience with blast-resistant design, seismic design, or high-energy test infrastructure. 

• Knowledge of building codes (IBC), concrete standards (ACI 318), and steel design standards (AISC 360). 

• Experience working at remote test sites or launch facilities. 

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance. 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

Base Salary: 

• Test Engineer 1: $85,000-$105,000
• Test Engineer 2:  $100,000-$120,000
• Test Engineer 3: $125,000-$155,000
• Senior Test Engineer: $140,000-$175,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location— this a fully onsite position based out of our Long Beach, CA office.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite