Axient is seeking a test engineer to support our government customer in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The team supports the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Small Satellite Portfolio (SSP) Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) laboratory.  SSP is developing, testing, and transitioning small satellite technologies to support the Hybrid Architecture vision for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.  

AFRL manages a variety of flight missions and ground programs, focusing on greater levels of connectivity, autonomy, performance, resilience, and collaboration within the Hybrid Architecture.  RAPID conducts experimentation to accelerate the Space Force’s pivot to resilient architectures of the future.  This position supports cutting edge test and demonstration for new capabilities for our U.S. Space Force.

Responsibilities 

• Assist RAPID scientists and engineers in designing ground and on-orbit demonstrations and tests that advance key capabilities for Space Force architecture evolution. 
• Develop appropriate test measurements for laboratory and field experimentation, including cloud-based space data transport and resilient satellite navigation capabilities. 
• Document test objectives, plans, procedures, reports and accompanying presentation materials. 
• Oversee processes to obtain required approvals and ensure compliance with AFRL and higher guidance. 
• Support government testing of innovative technologies and approaches for future Space Force architectures. 

Qualifications  

Education & Experience 

• 1-3 years test engineer experience 
• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited an engineering, computer science, or related field.  
• Ability to obtain an 8570 Certification - IAT Level 2 (e.g. Security+ CE, GSEC, CND, etc...) 

Requirements 

• Proof of U.S. citizenship 

• Must be able to complete and pass a U.S. government background investigation 
• Must be able to attain and hold a DoD Top Secret security clearance and handle/safeguard sensitive classified information in accordance with regulations 
• Must excel in small dynamic teams and in a fast-paced development cycle 

Preferences 

• Current security clearance, Top Secret 
• Current 8570 Certification – IAT Level 2 
• 5 years total professional experience  
• Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field 
• Experience with test teams consisting of government, contractor and FFRDC 
• Experience with complex test campaigns; inclusion of space-based components preferred 
• Familiarity with cloud and networking applications 
• Excellent written communication skills 
• Ability to work in a tight-knit team environment as well as self-driven for independent tasks