Test Automation Engineer - 5G Core & Device Functions

About the role

Test Automation Engineer

Space-Based IoT Infrastructure

About the Opportunity

E-Space invites you to architect and validate the connectivity backbone of a new era in global communications. In this role, you will design and sustain a robust validation environment for next-generation network functions. Your work will ensure the reliability and performance of systems that deliver connectivity from orbit to every corner of the Earth. This is a mission-critical position where your technical expertise directly supports the deployment of a global IoT network from low Earth orbit. Expect to engage deeply with complex systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging technical problems.

The position is based in Saratoga, California, and operates as a full-time engagement. The base compensation for this role is $163,200.00 annually.

Why Join E-Space

Joining E-Space means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to pioneering a new suite of global capabilities. We are building an infrastructure that improves lives, business efficiencies, and environmental stewardship. This requires a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to mission success, which may occasionally involve extended hours, including nights and weekends, to meet critical deadlines. In exchange, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact in the aerospace and IoT sectors.

We are invested in the holistic well-being of our team. You can expect comprehensive support for your physical, emotional, and financial health, along with a range of benefits designed to support your journey.

• The opportunity to make a tangible difference in global connectivity.
• A commitment to sustainability and operational integrity.
• A fair and transparent workplace culture.
• An environment that encourages innovative thinking.
• Competitive compensation and continuous learning opportunities.
• Health and wellness care options.
• Financial planning resources and optional legal services (US only).
• Paid holidays and paid time off.

Your Core Responsibilities

You will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and scaling the validation infrastructure that ensures our space-based systems perform as expected. This involves a blend of software development, systems engineering, and rigorous testing methodologies.

• Engineer and maintain a scalable test automation framework that operates across virtualized and physical deployments of network functions.
• Author Python-based automation scripts and test harnesses to execute functional, regression, integration, and performance test suites.
• Build tools to automate packet capture and conduct protocol-level analysis, verifying the correct operation of the 5G stack across all interfaces.
• Enable and support hardware-in-the-loop testing that involves embedded radio hardware and associated bench equipment.
• Analyze test failures to debug issues and effectively distinguish between product defects and problems within the automation framework or infrastructure.
• Manage automation code development using Git-based workflows, ensuring version control and code integrity.
• Own the defect lifecycle within Jira, from clear reproduction and documentation to tracking resolution.
• Partner closely with software, platform, and systems engineers to expand test coverage and improve overall test efficiency.

Your Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you will need a strong technical foundation and proven experience in test automation for complex, distributed systems.

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Possess 2-5 years of hands-on experience developing test automation for wireless, networking, embedded, or distributed systems.
• Demonstrate expert-level Python programming skills for test script creation and automation.
• Operate confidently in a Linux environment, utilizing shell commands, networking principles, and system debugging techniques.
• Have practical experience with Git and collaborative software development workflows for source control.
• Show a proven ability to build and maintain automated test suites.
• Be familiar with CI/CD pipelines to trigger and monitor test execution.
• Have experience working with virtualized platforms such as VMware or Proxmox for test execution.
• Apply disciplined problem-solving skills to resolve issues and accurately track defects.

Preferred Experience

• Prior involvement with network function testing in environments that resemble 5G Core architectures.
• Hands-on experience with RF test instruments, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, or channel emulators.
• Proficiency with network traffic analysis tools such as Wireshark or tcpdump.
• Exposure to Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), satellite communication systems, and secure space-ground pathways.

Core Tools & Skills

• Python
• Git
• Jira
• VMware
• Proxmox
• Wireshark
• tcpdump

What you'll do

• Meet the bar Practical notes