Standard Job Description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire, and integrate our capabilities to transform the future. 

At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.

Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you!

Orion Test Operations - Mechanical Test Operations Engineer - CTC

Role Overview: The Certified Test Conductor (CTC) will serve as the person-in-charge (PIC) during the execution of all mechanical test activities within the Orion program. The CTC is accountable for the safe, disciplined, and efficient execution of test procedures, the integrity of test inputs/outputs, and the coordination of test-support coverage across rotating 24-hr / 7-day shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and approve detailed test plans, procedures, and schedules in accordance with program requirements and command media.
• Prepare all test hardware, mechanical ground-support equipment, and instrumentation, ensuring compliance with the Test Engineering Command Media.
• Lead execution of acceptance, environmental, and ground servicing tests (fluids & pneumatics, mechanical structures, mechanisms) at the assembly, subsystem, and spacecraft levels.
• Serve as the PIC for all test‑execution activities and document results, discrepancies, and corrective actions.
• Provide in‑person test support for a 24 x 7 program on a rotating schedule (day, split, night) and act as the primary escalation point for any test‑phase anomalies.
• Coordinate with Test Leads, Test Technicians, and other CTCs to ensure unified test‑execution strategy, resource allocation, and compliance with ATLO directives.
• Maintain CTC certification status, complete required training and annual recertification.
• Identify and mitigate human‑error risks by applying the Human Error Prevention and enforcing approved procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Technical field (Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field) and 3+ years of experience.
• Ability to perform reliably in a 24‑hour operational environment, working rotating day, split, and night shifts.
• Ability to lift test equipment (typically up to 40 lb) and work at various heights or confined spaces.
• Must not hold Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) or Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE) certification/status.
• US Citizenship is required.

Desired Skills

• Completed the CTC certification curriculum and successfully finished the required OJT training OR Military leadership experience.
• Strong analytical abilities combined with excellent written, oral, and documentation skills.
• Hands‑on experience with crewed spacecraft or other high‑reliability flight hardware.
• Solid understanding of test‑engineering processes, including the creation and execution of test plans, procedures, and the maintenance of accurate test records.
• Experienced using automation‑framework and data acquisition tools.
• Proven leadership and team‑building skills; capable of coordinating and guiding a team through anomaly investigation and resolution.
• Familiar with mechanical ground support equipment used to pressurize and monitor spacecraft subsystems.