Special Test Equipment Engineer

Position Title: Special Test Equipment Engineer

Date Reviewed: 22 Nov 2023

Position Type: Regular, Exempt

Rate of Pay: DOE

Position Reports To: STE Manager

 FTE: 1.0

Supervises Others: Yes ☐     No ☒

Position Summary

Since our inception in 2004, GEOST has been committed to solving mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC, and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. As we grow our operations in Tucson, AZ and Northern VA, we remain dedicated to the collaborative and innovative culture that is the foundation of our business. GEOST is an operating unit of LightRidge Solutions.

GEOST seeks an enthusiastic and highly capable Special Test Equipment (STE) Engineer to join the Integration and Production Team. This position is primarily responsible for developing STE requirements, creating STE development schedules, designing STE to meet requirements and delivering STE to AI&T team for validation and test. A qualified candidate will be able to execute all variations of customer deliverable hardware as well as be a key reviewer and supporting agent for design feedback. With the support of the broader team, they will be able to deliver a fully validated system that meets its program specifications including cost, schedule, and quality targets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate with cross-functional team member(s) and/or Program Leads/Managers to ensure STE requirements are developed.
• Actively manage cost/schedule/risk/opportunities assessment for STE development including facility capability and other capacity drivers.
• Measure and improve quality of STE development output and deliverables.
• Implement design process improvements and cost reduction opportunities.
• Support technology development opportunities in line with future business forecasts.
• Deliver fully validated products with no quality escapes.
• Maintain quality controls for ISO certification standards with all processes.
• Oversee and assist with activities needed to build, deliver and bring STE into operation.
• Review production equipment, hardware, and tooling and support repairs or improvements to meet capacity and product growth needs.
• Support deployment of new equipment.
• Ensure proper operation of equipment and support training for equipment operators.
• Maintain knowledge of new and developing manufacturing technology, equipment, and applications.
• Oversee the recommendation and development of new processes, methods, and design guides.

Required Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree and/or significant industry experience in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, and/or Computer Science.
• An active USG Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance. Current SSBI is preferred.
• Experience with designing and modifying complex systems.
• Experience deriving requirements and creating schedules or agile tool plans.
• Experience with agile design methods.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and communication (oral and written) skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal oversight.
• Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote-sensing.
• Demonstrated ability to partner across organizations to achieve results.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess issues with manufacturing equipment, tools, and processes.
• Extensive knowledge of production principles and techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite or related software.
• Experience with computer-aided drafting (CAD) software.
• Interpersonal conflict resolution skills.
• Physical requirements consist of, but are not limited to, a combination of computer work, lab work (operating equipment, moving hardware, etc.), traveling, etc.
• Ability to support travel or off-site work as needed.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.