We are seeking a Manager, Hardware Test Engineering to lead the hardware test engineering function at Kepler, supporting the development and delivery of next-generation space hardware. Hardware Test Engineering supports multiple concurrent efforts across integrated product teams (IPTs) and program teams. The Hardware Test Engineering team actively collaborates with Project Managers, Supply Chain, Electrical, RF, Mechanical, and Embedded Systems Engineering. We invest heavily to deliver reliable space hardware at scale. We are looking for a Hardware Test Engineering Manager to lead and grow the team responsible for producing objective evidence that Kepler hardware can survive manufacturing, launch, operation, and mission life with quantified confidence. This role is accountable for building the people, processes, test infrastructure, and cross-functional operation that turn hardware validation, verification, reliability, and test data into a strategic capability for Kepler. This is a manager-level role with strong technical scope. The successful candidate will lead what is currently an electronics-focused Hardware Test team, while building the foundation for a broader organization spanning electronics test, mechanical and environmental test, test automation, and data systems. The role balances execution of current programs with investment in scalable systems that reduce technical risk, improve throughput, and support future portfolio growth.
Key Responsibilities
Lead a hardware test engineering team delivering defined hardware test subsystems, validation infrastructure, test procedures, fixtures, automation, dashboards, and evidence packages across active programs
Oversee execution with moderate to high technical complexity, including prototype bring-up, design validation, qualification and acceptance testing, production test strategy, and reliability test campaigns
Maintain sufficient technical depth to guide sound decisions, coach engineers through difficult issues, and intervene when critical execution risks require support
Build cross-functional alignment with systems, electrical, RF, firmware, mechanical, manufacturing, program, supply chain, and quality teams so test requirements, interfaces, decision criteria, and evidence expectations are clear early in the lifecycle
Provide design-for-test and validation & verification input during architecture and design reviews to inform decisions through objective evidence and downstream operational risk
Help shape and execute the Hardware Test capability roadmap, including expanded mechanical/environmental test, automation, test data capabilities, lab equipment, automated test systems, MGSE, and facilities required to support long-term scale
