Manager, Component Test & Infrastructure

Ionq

Job Description

Job Title: Manager, Component Test & Infrastructure. Location: Louisville, Colorado, USA

Responsibilities:

Lead a team of component test, RF test, and test automation engineers supporting spacecraft production and development programs.
Oversee component-level acceptance testing and verification for electronic assemblies, RF hardware, and spacecraft subsystems.
Develop and execute test strategies, procedures, and verification plans to ensure hardware performance, quality, and readiness for spacecraft integration.
Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve component test failures and hardware anomalies;
Collaborate with engineering teams to improve product testability, manufacturability, and verification coverage.
Develop and maintain automated test systems, software, and data analysis tools to improve testing efficiency and repeatability.
Manage all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) used for component and spacecraft testing.
Develop and maintain representative test beds, flatsats, and hardware simulators for risk reduction, troubleshooting, and integration support.
Oversee calibration programs, preventive maintenance activities, and lifecycle planning for laboratory equipment and test infrastructure.
Prepare business cases and recommendations for infrastructure investments, test station expansion, and production capacity improvements.
Establish standardized architectures, documentation, and processes for test systems and infrastructure;
Partner with spacecraft test leadership to ensure infrastructure supports current and future production requirements.
Work with satellite operations and engineering teams to incorporate on-orbit performance data and flight lessons into component verification strategies.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure testing throughput, equipment utilization, infrastructure availability, and organizational performance.
Lead cross-functional teams while balancing technical priorities and production schedules.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
Experience leading engineering teams within aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, or similar industries.
Experience developing and executing hardware verification and acceptance test programs.
Strong understanding of electronic, RF, and electromechanical systems testing;
Experience with automated test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
Experience developing or maintaining test software and automation frameworks.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex hardware and test systems.
Experience designing, deploying, or supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE);
Experience managing multiple technical priorities while maintaining project schedules.
Excellent project management, communication, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams.
Ability to work with spacecraft flight hardware in contamination-sensitive and ESD-sensitive environments.

Preferred:

Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aerospace hardware development programs.
Experience leading component testing, integration, or verification organizations.
Experience with RF testing, communications systems, or radar systems;
Experience developing flatsats, hardware simulators, or representative spacecraft test beds.
Experience managing calibration systems and laboratory assets.
Knowledge of spacecraft subsystem architectures and on-orbit operations.
Experience scaling test infrastructure for production environments.
Familiarity with environmental testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC testing.