Mechanism Test Specialist

The Mechanism Test Specialist supports the assembly, integration, execution, and troubleshooting of tests that turn designs into flight-ready mechanisms. This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations to support benchtop, environmental, subsystem, and vehicle-level testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems. You will build and maintain test setups, integrate instrumentation, execute test procedures, and ensure accurate data collection to support rapid hardware development and validation.

This is a hands-on role for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, hardware-focused environments and enjoy solving complex mechanical challenges through direct testing and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and maintain mechanical and electromechanical test setups for flight mechanisms used in Castelion’’s hypersonic strike missiles.
• Execute development, qualification, and acceptance tests in accordance with engineering procedures and test requirements.
• Build, modify, and troubleshoot test fixtures, mechanical assemblies, and test stands incorporating actuators, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Install, configure, and operate test instrumentation, including load cells, pressure transducers, LVDTs, encoders, and data acquisition systems.
• Support functional, environmental, and performance testing of mechanical and electromechanical hardware.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and document hardware anomalies, test failures, and equipment malfunctions.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve test setups, procedures, and equipment reliability to increase test cadence.
• Maintain accurate test records, hardware configurations, and documentation to ensure data quality and traceability.
• Perform routine inspection, calibration support, and maintenance of test equipment and instrumentation.
• Support integration activities, flight tests, and rocket motor static fires as required.

Testing, Manufacturing Operations, Electromechanical Systems, Hardware Development, Instrumentation, Data Collection, Data Quality, Hardware Administration, Operational Support, System Test, * Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Technology, Aerospace Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• 3+ years of experience assembling, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting mechanical or electromechanical hardware.
• Experience working with test instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including DAQs, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and sensors.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical schematics, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, precision measurement tools, and test equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to document test results, identify anomalies, and communicate technical findings effectively.
• Comfortable working across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams in high-ownership environments.
• Willingness to support extended hours, weekends, travel, and on-site operations during critical test campaigns.
• Comfortable working in fast-moving environments where hardware testing drives development decisions.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or other high-reliability hardware testing environments.
• Hands-on experience with actuators, mechanical linkages, deployment mechanisms, or electromechanical systems.
• Environmental testing experience, including vibration, thermal-vacuum, thermal cycling, or shock testing.
• Experience building and maintaining test stands, fixtures, and custom mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical actuation systems.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, sensor integration, and automated test equipment.
• Hands-on machining, wiring, soldering, fabrication, or rapid prototyping experience.
• Flight test, range operations, or rocket motor static fire support experience.
• Familiarity with test documentation, configuration control, failure tracking, and quality processes.

What We Value

• Hands-on rigor: deep understanding of systems through direct testing and failure analysis.
• Autonomy and ownership: you don’‘t wait for direction you seek out what needs to be tested and make it happen.
• High standards for reliability, data quality, and test repeatability.
• Systems-level thinking: understanding how actuator behavior affects broader vehicle performance.

Why Castelion, Why Now

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we’‘re building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you’‘ll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.