Test Lab Manager

Tendeg LLC is a premier spacecraft deployables company. Our novel designs are enabling exciting missions providing high gain antennas for sensor applications and communications. We have multiple antennas on-orbit and numerous flight deliverables occurring in 2023. Our missions include Earth Science (weather, surface deformation and change); LEO, GEO and lunar communications; synthetic aperture radar; and unique radio frequency sensors for commercial and government applications. We have apertures from 50cm to 20m, L-band to Q/V-band, and precise 2-axis gimbals. Please join our innovative and rapidly growing team.

Tendeg’s Philosophy: We encourage innovation and entrepreneurial energy. We are successful because we take a unique approach to solving problems. We look for creative thinkers and self-motivated people that can collaborate within our open team environment. TENDEG is an acronym for TENacious Design and Engineering Group. Obviously, tenacity is another trait we embrace.

Title: Test Lab Manager

Position Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: $121,000-$167,500 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)

Location: Louisville, CO

About the Role: We are looking for a Test Lab Manager that will support one of the following programs:

• INCUS: NASA has selected Tendeg to deliver four Ka-band deployable antennas for a new Earth science mission called Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) that will study the behavior of tropical storms and thunderstorms, including their impacts on weather and climate models. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-selects-new-mission- to-study-storms-impacts-on-climate-models

• SDC: NASA has selected Tendeg to develop a large rectangular aperture deployable antenna for a Surface Deformation and Change mission. Tendeg completed TRL-6 testing of the baseline antenna, which is 7x1.4m and operates at C-band and is studying a 12x2m configuration at L-band. https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/decadal-sdc.

• 2-axis Gimbal Antennas: Tendeg has multiple contracts to develop, fabricate, test and deliver flight units for deployable high gain antennas from X-band to Q/V-band. These are for sensor and communication missions for LEO to lunar applications.

Job Summary: The Test Lab Manager will be responsible for designing, building and maintaining the test laboratories at Tendeg’s facilities. You will also be responsible for the operation of the test equipment (vibration shakers, thermal and thermal vacuum chambers). You will be involved with the planning, development and execution of system-level integration, test procedures and requirements, test measurement systems and test reports. You will also be responsible for working with internal and external groups to develop requirements and plans to build, deliver, and verify a functional system. Testing will include development and production flight hardware.

What you will do:

• Be responsible and oversee the development and maintenance of the test labs at Tendeg’s facilities.
• Setup and operation of an aerospace vibration shaker and accelerometer data system
• Willingness to setup and operate thermal and thermal vacuum chambers.
• Provide general oversight and support to the test lab.
• Oversee adherence to test methods and procedures.
• Perform inventory management, calibration and maintenance of all the test lab equipment.
• Direct the proper preparation, storage, and use of all controlled materials.
• Evaluate supplies and materials needed for testing and directs purchasing department on correct ordering.
• Keep accurate records related to testing activities and prepare summary reports of data in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot equipment and production processes.
• Perform routine analytical and physical process control testing including evaluation of external test reports.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in the test lab including internal auditing.
• Manage organizational and team dynamics, customer expectations, satisfaction and supplier relations.
• Serve as the primary resource to the test lab.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Key Job Requirements:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent secondary education and experience in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or electrical and electronics engineering
• 10-20 years’ experience in a similar role
• Knowledge of Laboratory testing methods
• Knowledge of > 25,000 force-lbs. vibration shaker setup and operation
• Ability to write and present technical test reports

Benefits: As we are growing and investing in our company, we invest in our team. We recognize employee contributions through competitive salaries and bonuses and take pride in taking care of our employees. Here is how we show our appreciation:

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Medical/Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 401(k) Plan

• Company SWAG

• Monthly company sponsored lunches

• Dog friendly work environment

• Free company parking

• Break rooms fully stocked with snacks, drinks, and an espresso coffee machine

US Citizenship Is Required

Tendeg LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.