Test Engineer II-Senior

About Us:

Antares develops mass-producible, inherently safe, deployable nuclear microreactors for terrestrial, underwater, and space applications.

About the Team:

The Test Engineer will design, build, and own test infrastructure for the R1 microreactor. The role develops end-to-end test plans for heat rejection, power distribution, thermal management, and mechanical systems; documents testing best practices, requirements, and workflows; collaborates cross-functionally on prototype, development, and qualification hardware; and designs, validates, and maintains precise test setups.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Architect, build, and employ bespoke test stands and rigs for heat pipe components and assemblies.
• Develop test plans and protocols covering instrumentation, execution steps, pass/fail criteria, and data analysis.
• Build test schedules aligned with development and business needs.
• Lead test design and readiness reviews and communicate approaches and results.
• Validate measurement precision and accuracy and procure or design specialized fixtures and sensors.
• Create schematics and CAD models of test setups and facilities.
• Define workflows for prototype, qualification, and production-grade testing.
• Provide subject matter expertise on test methods and mentor teammates.
• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of hands-on test engineering experience.
• Experience designing assemblies and test fixtures using CAD.
• Experience integrating and using pressure transducers, thermocouples, strain gauges, relays, solenoid valves, and related test instrumentation.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years of hands-on test engineering experience.
• Experience designing and building test rigs and executing thermal and mechanical tests.
• Experience with LabVIEW, Simulink, or similar test software.
• Experience testing thermal management, heat-rejection systems, or vacuum-relevant components.
• Experience in mechanical, durability, or materials testing.
• Leadership experience on a project or research team.
• Strong project management and cross-disciplinary communication skills.
• Track record of high-impact technical contributions.
• Experience with micrometers, CMM, white light scanning, and related inspection technologies.
• Knowledge of PLM, ERP, and related manufacturing systems.
• Strong Python or general programming experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs; the role may require standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying.

Compensation:

• Test Engineer II: $112,000-$150,000.
• Senior TestEngineer: $140,000-$185,000.

Location:

The facility is in Torrance, California, within the Los Angeles technology ecosystem.

Culture:

Antares values systems thinking, end-user focus, unconventional problem solving, meeting customers and stakeholders where the work occurs, and operating with nuance in pursuit of truth.

Equal Opportunity:

Antares is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to legally protected characteristics.

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.