Senior Environmental Test Engineer - Space

Job Description

Senior Environmental Test Engineer

Location: Abu Dhabi

Overview

An exciting opportunity has opened within a growing satellite manufacturing and space technology business in Abu Dhabi, focused on the development and testing of next-generation spacecraft platforms.

The company is building out its environmental test capability and is looking for an experienced Senior Environmental Test Engineer to take ownership of the function, lead existing test activities, and support the growth of the wider team.

This is a key leadership role with a strong hands-on element, particularly across vibration and thermal testing of larger satellite platforms (200–300kg class spacecraft). The position will play a critical role in supporting both internal satellite programmes and external customer testing services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the environmental test function across spacecraft and subsystem programmes.
• Support the development and scaling of the environmental test team, mentoring junior engineers and technicians.
• Drive best practices across testing processes, documentation, safety, and operational delivery.

• Plan and execute environmental test campaigns including:
• Vibration testing
• Thermal testing
• Thermal Vacuum (TVAC)
• Acoustic and shock testing
• EMC/EMI testing
• Support feasibility studies, test readiness reviews, and verification planning.
• Ensure hardware, instrumentation, and facilities are fully prepared ahead of test activities.
• Monitor tests in real time, troubleshoot anomalies, and make technical decisions during execution.

• Support the continued setup and optimisation of environmental test facilities and infrastructure.
• Develop SOPs, test procedures, calibration processes, and reporting standards.
• Configure and manage instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Analyse test data and produce qualification and acceptance reports.

• Work closely with systems engineering, AIT, mission assurance, and programme teams.
• Interface with external customers using the facility for environmental testing services.
• Coordinate with external vendors and specialist facilities where required.

Requirements

• Degree qualified in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven environmental test engineering experience within the space sector.
• Strong hands-on expertise across vibration and thermal testing environments.
• Experience delivering environmental test campaigns from planning through execution and reporting.
• Knowledge of environmental verification standards and test methodologies.
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Leadership capability with the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.
• Comfortable operating in both hands-on and strategic environments.

• Experience testing larger spacecraft or satellite platforms.
• Familiarity with TVAC, EMC/EMI, acoustic, or shock testing.
• Experience supporting external customer testing programmes.
• Exposure to facility setup, commissioning, or scaling of environmental test operations.
• Experience working within fast-paced or scaling space organisations.

• Permanent position based in Abu Dhabi.
• Opportunity to join a rapidly growing space business with strong international backing.
• Significant long-term project pipeline including internal satellite constellation programmes and external customer testing activities.
• Open to candidates from all locations considering relocation – Singular or family
• Personal and family benefits.