Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms

AscendArc is hiring a Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms. It pays $120k-$190k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on AscendArc.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
The posting mentions Nx, Solidworks and mechanical engineering among its tools and skills.
Level classes it as a senior role.
AscendArc has 11 other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

Design and build test fixtures and infrastructure for spacecraft structures and mechanisms at a satellite communications startup.

NxSolidworks

mechanical-engineeringaerospace-engineeringtestingcadrapid-prototyping

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical team as a Test Engineer – Structures and Mechanisms developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it. AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity. Responsibilities

Design, build, and integrate test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware to effectively test spacecraft structures and mechanisms.
Assist responsible engineers in design and/or concepting of functional, environmental, and qualification tests, including thermal, vibration, shock, deployment, and pressure testing.
Support test readiness reviews, drive testing schedules, and ensure safe test operations
Develop responsive testing infrastructure, generate roadmap for executing spacecraft qualification, define resource and infrastructure needs to achieve company milestones

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience designing and building test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware for aerospace or high-reliability systems
Hands-on experience with test execution and familiarity with environmental and structural testing (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.)
Strong ability to gather and interpret test requirements from cross-functional stakeholders to develop practical tooling and fixture solutions
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and mechanical analysis tools
Data acquisition and management experience
Hands-on mindset with experience in rapid prototyping, fabrication, and iterative build-test cycles

Who We’re Looking For We’re searching for exceptional talent at any career stage — from early-career engineers to senior and staff-level experts. Compensation will be adjusted accordingly. More than years of experience, we value high-caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.
We’re looking for people who:

Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.

Hybrid WorkThis position is based at our Beaverton office. We value the collaboration that comes from working together in person, while also supporting flexibility. Team members typically spend three days a week in the office and may work from home up to two days each week. The base salary range for this position is $120,000-190,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed. AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor or legally protected status.

How we rate this

Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms at AscendArc rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms is an open job at AscendArc.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $120k-$190k a year.
The role is based in Beaverton, United States.
The job was posted on July 10, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by AscendArc. Apply on AscendArc

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Mechanical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringTestingCADRapid PrototypingNxSolidworks

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where mechanical engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where aerospace engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where testing was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where cad was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where rapid prototyping was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Testing, CAD, and Rapid Prototyping. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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