Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Castelion
Job overview
The Senior Avionics Test Engineer at Castelion leads validation and performance testing of control actuation systems critical to flight vehicles, ensuring reliability and mission readiness.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves developing and executing actuator test plans, building test rigs, validating performance metrics, logging tests, leading root-cause investigations, collaborating with design teams, and driving qualification testing campaigns.
Compensation and benefits
Employees receive long-term stock incentives, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, and three weeks of paid time off annually.
Experience and skills
Requires a B.S. or M.S. in relevant engineering fields, 4+ years testing actuators or motion control systems, hands-on experience with motors and control loops, familiarity with embedded systems and communication protocols, and proficiency in instrumentation and data acquisition tools; preferred qualifications include experience with high-precision actuators, environmental stress screening, fault testing, and programming skills in C/C++ or Python.
Work environment and culture
The company values hands-on rigor, autonomy, high standards for reliability, and systems-level thinking, fostering a fast-paced, autonomous, and accountable work environment.
Company information
Castelion focuses on defense development with rapid design cycles and modern manufacturing to produce next-generation long-range strike weapons for the U.S. and allies.
Unique job features
The role uniquely blends hands-on testing with systems-level thinking and involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure actuator hardware meets mission-representative conditions.
Company overview
Castelion, founded in 2022 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, is a modern defense production company. Specializing in applying advanced hardware development and manufacturing processes to national security challenges, Castelion aims to innovate defense technology. Originally known as Pallas Industries, the company has garnered significant attention, raising $14.2 million in initial funding co-led by Andreessen Horowitz. With a focus on modernizing defense production, Castelion leverages its expertise to address critical national security needs.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to highlight hands-on experience with actuator testing, including designing and running test setups involving motors, load cells, encoders, and motion control loops, as this is central to the Senior Avionics Test Engineer role at Castelion.
Emphasize your familiarity with embedded control systems and communication protocols like CAN, RS-422/485, SPI, and Ethernet, along with proficiency in instrumentation and data acquisition tools such as Python and C++ to align with the job’s technical demands.
Apply through multiple channels including Castelion’s corporate careers page, LinkedIn, and specialized aerospace or defense job boards to maximize your application visibility.
Connect with current Castelion employees in the avionics or systems engineering divisions on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent company projects related to long-range strike weapons or asking about the integration challenges of control actuation systems to break the ice.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'actuator test plans,' 'HIL environments,' 'fault injection,' 'performance characterization,' and 'environmental testing' to ensure it passes initial automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, identify the best application portals, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts, freeing you to focus on preparing for interviews and networking effectively.
Jennie Johnson works for you!
Here’s what we do to make sure you’re successful:
Targeted Resume Revamp:
We expertly craft your resume to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your qualifications, making you stand out as a top-tier candidate.
Job Description Dissection:
Unpack the job posting with expert analysis, ensuring your application hits every key requirement.
Bespoke Cover Letter:
Capture the attention of hiring managers with a personalized cover letter that highlights how your skills align perfectly with the job's needs.
Interview Mastery:
Prepare for interviews like a pro with likely questions, strategic answers, and insightful questions for you to ask, setting you apart as an informed candidate.
Direct Application Insights:
Receive tailored advice on the best places to apply, ensuring your applications are seen by the right employers.
Skills and Gaps Assessment:
Identify and close critical skills gaps to position yourself as the best-fit candidate for your ideal job.
Personalized Email Pitch:
Make a memorable first impression with an email template crafted to engage potential employers and initiate meaningful conversations.
In-depth Research Guide:
Leverage comprehensive research tools to gather effective insights on companies, industry trends, and role-specific challenges.
Detailed Company Analysis:
Gain in-depth understanding of your prospective employer, giving you the edge in applications and interviews.
Strategic Candidate Overview:
Understand your unique value and why companies would want to interview you, highlighting your background and positioning.