Senior AIT Systems Engineer - Integration and Test Engineer

About Us:

Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.

Role:

The Engineering team at Samara is looking for a Senior AIT Systems Engineer to own the systems assembly, integration, test and scalability for the Hummingbird bus. The first flight vehicle for Hummingbird will launch on a SpaceX rideshare in 2027. In this position you will be expected to use a systems engineering approach to lead the AIT campaign for Hummingbird. This will include requirements traceability, verification/validation planning, and systems interfacing. You will work closely with the CTO and each department to take Hummingbird from subsystem hardware to a verified, launch-ready spacecraft. Expect to go deep, be wrong often, iterate, learn a lot, and work alongside a team that is passionate about building something truly new.

If you do not meet all the criteria below, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are more interested in engineers who are collaborative with high standards, a learning mindset, and most of the skills than in a perfect technology match.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate the full Hummingbird AIT campaign. This will involve collaborating with each discipline as well as the test engineers at Samara. It will include generating AIT schedules and execution planning.
• Own the requirements database and verification matrix, maintaining traceability from mission requirements through subsystem specs to test evidence
• Author and control ICDs across avionics, mechanisms, RF, and payload interfaces, including the launch services provider ICD
• Define the verification and validation approach for each requirement (test, analysis, inspection, demonstration) and defend it at reviews
• Ensure that interfaces between subsystems are compatible
• Provide input to mass, power, and link budgets and support tracking margins through the program
• Support milestone reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR) with verification status, open risks, and waiver rationale
• As needed, support communication with hosted payload customers relating to integration with Hummingbird
• Coordinate with the launch services provider on environmental requirements, safety submissions, and integration deliverable

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft AIT, systems engineering, or both, with at least one program taken through environmental test
• Hands-on experience integrating and testing flight hardware, including harness bring-up, functional test scripting, and cleanroom protocols
• Working knowledge of GEVS or equivalent environmental test standards and how to tailor them for small sat rideshare missions
• Experience writing requirements, verification plans, and test procedures that other engineers can execute
• Experience creating and managing a schedule with input from multiple disciplines
• Comfort operating with ambiguity and owning schedule-critical deliverables on a small team
• Strong communication skills across mechanical, electrical, software, and RF discipline

Preferred:

• Experience with SpaceX rideshare or similar launch integration processes and deliverables
• Experience with deployable mechanisms testing (hinges, latches, release devices, offload rigs)
• Familiarity with requirements and systems management tooling (Jama, Valispace, DOORS, or spreadsheet-based systems done well)
• Scripting ability in Python for test automation and telemetry analysis
• Experience with EMI/EMC test campaigns and RF payload integration
• Prior experience at an early-stage hardware startup

Why Join Us?

• Be a key player in a groundbreaking aerospace startup
• Work on exciting projects with the potential to revolutionize the satellite industry
• Collaborate with a passionate and driven team
• Opportunity to grow with the company and shape its future

Salary and Benefits:

• Pay range: $150,000-175,000 annually to start
• Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
• Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
• Partial dependent coverage available
• 401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
• Unlimited PTO and sick time
• Catered lunch 3x per week
• Education assistance up to $5,250 per year
• Relocation assistance is available 
• 17 paid holidays (including a “winter break” Dec. 24-Jan. 1)

Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 
Samara Aerospace does not currently sponsor employment visas for this position.
Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire in accordance with federal law.