Sr. Test Engineer, HITL

About the Role

As a Senior Test Engineer, HITL, you will work across our full product line, from robotic ground-based telescope systems to future on-orbit platforms. You will design, build, and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test systems that validate the performance, reliability, and integration of our hardware and software systems.

This role is deeply hands-on: you will interface directly with real hardware, develop automated test frameworks, simulate real-world and space environments, and debug complex issues across electrical, mechanical, and software boundaries. You will report to the Systems or Embedded Engineering Lead.

What You'll Do

• Architect, implement, and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test systems for validating spacecraft and telescope subsystems.
• Design test infrastructure that integrates real hardware with simulated environments (sensors, actuators, communication links, and control systems).
• Develop automated test frameworks and tooling to enable scalable, repeatable validation across the product lifecycle.
• Build and maintain simulation environments for system-level testing, including fault injection and edge case validation.
• Collaborate closely with embedded, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure comprehensive system verification.
• Debug complex system-level issues across hardware and software boundaries, including real-time and edge-case failures.
• Define and execute test plans, validation procedures, and performance benchmarks for integrated systems.
• Support hardware bring-up, integration, and system-level validation activities.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines by integrating automated test suites and ensuring test coverage across releases.
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.) to ensure testability, reliability, and system robustness.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar languages used for test automation and system integration.
• Experience designing and implementing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) or system-level test environments.
• Solid understanding of embedded systems, hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and real-time systems.
• Experience using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, etc.) for debugging and validation.
• Ability to read schematics and debug issues at the electrical–software boundary.
• Strong debugging mindset and ability to diagnose complex, cross-disciplinary issues.
• Experience working in fast-paced, iterative development environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft, aerospace systems, robotics, or other high-reliability environments.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, or firmware development workflows.
• Experience building simulation environments or digital twins for system validation.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and telemetry systems used in distributed or remote systems.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated test infrastructure for hardware-integrated systems.
• Background in vision systems, sensors, or control systems.
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum) and validation workflows.
• Contributions to open-source testing frameworks or embedded systems projects.
• Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration.

What We Offer

Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.

Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)

Unlimited PTO (exempt only) – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.

Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.

Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.

Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.

Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.