Manager, Test Systems

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Manager, Test Systems to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Director, Systems Integration & Test the Manager, Test Systems will lead a focused test engineering team responsible for spacecraft module, subsystem, and full‑vehicle testing. This leader will oversee test systems development, automated test tools, environmental test readiness, and high‑volume production test execution.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and manage a dedicated test engineering team supporting spacecraft module, avionics, subsystem, and full‑vehicle test campaigns.

Develop and maintain test flows, test plans, and automated test procedures to support production and program requirements.

Oversee test system infrastructure, including test software, automation frameworks, test racks, electrical and mechanical GSE, calibration, and configuration control.

Partner with integration and build leadership to ensure smooth handoff from assembly to test and alignment of vehicle‑level test objectives.

Support scalable, high‑volume manufacturing through automation, improved test efficiency, and design-for-testability input.

Ensure readiness and execution of environmental testing such as thermal, vibration, and thermal vacuum, including operation in cleanroom environments.

Define test standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Prepare and deliver executive-level progress summaries, test metrics, and risk/opportunity reporting.

Contribute to program scheduling, resource planning, proposal estimates, and Earned Value Management inputs.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams, external customers, and vendors regarding test requirements, reviews, and compliance with industry, DoD, and military test standards.

Support occasional off-site testing and travel as needed.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

8+ years of relevant professional experience, including leading technical test teams.

Experience with spacecraft system test, including electrical power systems, RF subsystems, sensors, actuators, and avionics.

Strong knowledge of automated test systems, test software, test racks, and electrical/mechanical GSE.

Familiarity with environmental test processes (thermal, vibration, TVAC) and aerospace/military test standards.

Ability to analyze and present technical data clearly; experience supporting schedules, estimates, and EVM activities.

Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment; strong organization and prioritization.

Proficiency with MS Office tools and professional communication (written and verbal).

U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in test automation using National Instruments Labview / TestStand software and/or Python scripts.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$160,000 — $190,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Education Reimbursement

Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected] .

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.