Test Manager Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Space Micro Inc. is looking for a Test Engineer Manager to join a team of designers of cutting‑edge components for space applications including Software Defined Radios, Single Board Computers and Optical Equipment such as space‑rated cameras, star trackers and laser communications. The position reports to the Vice President of Product Design and is part of the Engineering Department based in San Diego, CA. This role is onsite based in San Diego, CA.

The Engineering Department Manager (EDM) is a leader responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day operations of the engineering team and for assigning engineering resources and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. This is a highly technical role where the candidate shall have a broad skill set that covers test engineering experience. The Department Manager will work for at least 50% of his/her time in a project team environment as an individual contributor. He/She will test complex PCBAs and will work on new test architectures, plans and procedures. He/She will be responsible for environmental testing (TVAC, thermal, EMI/EMC, Vibe, and Shock). The candidate shall have experience testing the space environment. He/she shall have experience with, at minimum, TVAC, thermal, shock, and vibrational tests. The EDM will provide technical guidance and support to his/her team members, helping them overcome challenges and find solutions. The EDM will ensure that processes, standard operating procedures, and rigorous design flows are followed. They will maintain effective communication channels between the engineering team and other departments within the organization and will be the point of contact for any technical inquiries or issues that may arise. The EDM will work closely with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to align engineering efforts with the overall business objectives. Because of the need for consistent, in‑person collaboration and, due to the nature of this role, this position will be performed full‑time on site.

• Functional performance and environmental test architectures design, development, scheduling, and execution
• Development and tracking of test procedures, test plans and test schedule
• Report, discuss and document test results
• May lead and coordinate part or all the testing efforts for a project
• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the engineering team
• Oversee the development and execution of projects
• Review ongoing efforts and rectify issues
• Support internal and external design and development reviews with related documentation
• Ensure adherence to Voyager quality standards, design and development process and standard operating procedures
• Ensure the engineering team remains focused on projects, company goals and objectives
• Check the team’s work for technical accuracy and ensuring the validity of methods used
• Ensure that the team has adequate means and tools for efficient project execution and product development. Make determinations for equipment, software licenses, staff and training needs
• Assist in project resource allocations overseeing that engineers are efficiently allocated and have a balanced workload
• Review team members’ work schedules/tasks
• Monitor and evaluate engineers’ progress
• Support and promote a culture that rewards motivation and cooperation
• Coordinate work with other managers and staff
• Participate in proposals and trade studies, including evaluating contractor and subcontractor proposals for technical feasibility
• Review contract/proposals/opportunities, with emphasis on SOW, technical requirements, data requirements and statement of compliance before acceptance and transfer it to the engineering team after acceptance
• Evaluates and approves strategies to bridge technical, programmatic and personnel gaps in the engineering team

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• 8+ years’ experience in test engineering with demonstrated technical skills
• Expert level configuration of ATE components including rack instrumentation and PXI architectures
• Excellent track record developing test automation software using LabVIEW, Lab‑Windows / CVI, Python, C#, Visual Basic
• Working knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems
• Experience with test tools and equipment, with emphasis on high‑end spectrum and vector network analyzers
• Experience writing and executing test procedures
• Strong documentation skills
• Proven ability to manage and work effectively individually and collaboratively in a team environment
• Must exhibit good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Capable of multi‑tasking; working on multiple projects & supporting production activities
• Strong technical background; capable of coming up‑to‑speed quickly on new technologies
• Great problem‑solving skills
• Proficient in personal computing skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Working knowledge of SolidWorks and basic mechanical engineering concepts related to bed‑of‑nails test fixture design and construction
• Previous experience testing RF devices operating in the S, X and Ka bands
• Previous experience in the Space industry and space‑rated components
• Previous exposure to optics and laser communication technologies

• Must be a US person

• Curious, detail oriented, and analytical with a proven ability to learn quickly
• Honest, respectful and patient
• Ability and willingness to make an impact
• Demonstrated initiative, drive, and interpersonal skills
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment

The good faith base salary range for this role is $175,000–$200,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Benefits include:

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work‑life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company, and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long‑term contracts and free on‑demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long‑term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well‑being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission‑driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.