Senior Structural Test Engineer

What You’ll Do

• Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of engineering development testing, manufacturing development articles, and certification tests for the North Carolina Composites Center (NC3) laboratory.
• Develop, review, and approve test plans, procedures, verification matrices, and configuration baselines.
• Define test objectives, success criteria, and sequencing aligned with mission requirements and airframe architecture.
• Lead coordination across engineering disciplines on detailed definition of laboratory requirements & architecture, to ensure laboratories meet near-term and long-term objectives.
• Support supply chain in supply engagement for acquisition of capital assets for the laboratories.
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness, interface compatibility, and controlled configuration changes.
• Lead real-time test execution, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination with engineering and operations teams.
• Perform and oversee post-test data analysis, discrepancy resolution, and formal test reporting.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth and disciplined engineering practices.
• Drive continuous improvement of test processes, documentation, and lab infrastructure.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer engagements.
• Contribute to accreditation, certification, or compliance activities as required.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in test engineering, materials & processes engineering, or composites research & development.
• Strong understanding of building block certification campaign requirements.
• Strong understanding of composites manufacturing development, and importance of design for manufacturing standards.
• Demonstrated experience authoring test plans, procedures, and formal test documentation.
• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, automation, and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage lab environments.
• Excellent technical judgment, communication skills, and decision-making in dynamic test environments.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Prior leadership of test labs or composite airframe development facilities.

Compensation:

Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. The range for this role is $160,000-180,000. We consider a number of factors when presenting a final offer, including geography, internal equity and years of experience and expertise.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Equity tax advisory services
• Supportive work culture