Job description: The Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Engineer is responsible for developing, executing, and documenting test procedures for space technology systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class spacecraft to ensure performance, functionality, and reliability in support of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space missions. This role involves integrating spacecraft hardware and software components, conducting space-qualified environmental testing, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine mission designs. The AI&T engineer will support the full testing lifecycle for spaceflight experiments, including: • Spacecraft assembly and integration: Hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft buses, payloads, and experiments within government clean room facilities at Kirtland AFB • Space environmental testing: Conduct and support functional and environmental testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustic, EMI/EMC, and other space-qualification tests • Launch integration: Support flight experiment integration at launch sites, including mechanical installation, functional testing, inspection, and day-of-launch processes • Test facility management: Support government integration facility operations, including laboratory safety, clean room protocols, ESD procedures, and compliance with aerospace safety standards This position requires hands-on experience with space hardware, understanding of spaceflight environmental requirements, and the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) supporting cradle-to-grave space mission lifecycles from concept through launch and operations. Key Responsibilities: System Assembly and Integration: • Perform hands-on assembly and integration of spacecraft buses, payloads, and experiments within government facilities • Support integration of CubeSat through ESPA-class spacecraft and high-altitude balloon systems • Integrate flight hardware and software components, ensuring proper interfaces and functionality • Support spacecraft mechanical installation, harnessing, thermal blanketing, and system closeouts • Coordinate with spacecraft subsystem engineers (power, communications, attitude control, propulsion, structures) • Maintain clean room protocols, ESD procedures, and contamination control standards • Support government integration facility management including equipment maintenance and calibration Space Environmental Testing: • Develop and execute test plans for space-qualified environmental testing: • Thermal vacuum testing (hot/cold operational and survival temperatures) • Vibration and shock testing (simulating launch environments) • Acoustic testing (launch vehicle acoustic environments) • EMI/EMC testing (electromagnetic compatibility for space systems) • Functional testing (end-to-end spacecraft operations verification) • Conduct systems-level tests to evaluate performance of spacecraft, balloon, and ground systems/subsystems • Operate and maintain test equipment including thermal chambers, shake tables, and RF test equipment • Perform data reduction, analysis, and review of functional and environmental test results • Develop documented data acquisition, processing, analysis, and modeling/simulation tools for test evaluations Test Planning & Documentation: • Develop comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and test cases for spacecraft verification and validation • Draft and review test specifications and user's guides • Prepare Safety Plans and Risk Management Plans for test activities • Document experimental processes and results to allow independent reproduction of tests • Participate in programmatic, technical, and safety reviews • Conduct reliability, operability, interoperability, and performance assessments • Maintain test reports, compliance artifacts, and lessons learned documentation Launch Integration Support: • Support flight experiment launch integration activities at launch sites • Support telemetry archiving, analysis, and post-launch documentation • Pack, protect, and ship flight experiments and support equipment to launch facilities • Support hardware and software integration in preparation for launch, including: • Mechanical installation and interface verification • Functional testing and health checks • Thermal blanketing and final closeouts • Inspection and fairing integration • Range safety procedures • Day-of-launch processes and anomaly resolution Integration Facility Management: • Maintain and upgrade government integration capabilities and equipment • Identify and recommend mitigation for hazardous situations in workspaces, test facilities, integration areas, and pre-launch facilities • Support government integration facility management, including: • Personnel training on laboratory equipment and safety procedures • Facility security and access control compliance • Safety compliance and hazard identification Maintain and upgrade government integration capabilities and equipment Root Cause Analysis & Re-engineering: • Analyze test results, troubleshoot issues, and support root cause analysis for test failures • Support re-engineering and re-design of software and hardware after testing • Implement corrective actions and retest to verify fixes • Document failure modes, lessons learned, and design improvements Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support: • Work closely with systems engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and operations personnel • Support direct analytical, technician, and systems engineering tasks of the RVE Assembly, Integration, and Testing Infrastructure Lead(s) • Provide technical support for design reviews, customer demonstrations, and field testing This is a junior level position. Minimum Qualifications: • Education/ Years of Relevant Experience: 0+ years of experience with BS degree • Clearance: TS with ability to obtain SCI. • U.S. Citizenship is required for this position. Compensation: Our team offers competitive benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance, and robust professional development and education opportunities. Location: Onsite at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM