Senior Test Systems Engineer

About the role

Lunaroutpost is a space technology company headquartered in Golden, Colorado, focused on advancing lunar exploration and robotics for scientific and commercial purposes. The Senior Test Systems Engineer will lead the design, development, and execution of test strategies for complex systems used in lunar and space environments. This role involves working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure that hardware and software components meet rigorous performance and reliability standards before deployment. The engineer will take ownership of test planning, system integration validation, and failure analysis across multiple project phases, contributing directly to mission success.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the creation and execution of comprehensive test plans for lunar and space-bound systems and subsystems across all development stages
• Design and build automated test frameworks to validate hardware and software integration throughout project lifecycles and release cycles
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to define test requirements, acceptance criteria, and pass-fail thresholds for each build
• Perform system-level integration testing and identify root causes of failures through detailed analysis and structured debugging procedures
• Develop and maintain test documentation including procedures, reports, traceability matrices, and configuration records for audit readiness
• Oversee the qualification and validation testing of robotic systems designed for extraterrestrial surface operations in simulated lunar conditions
• Manage test schedules and milestones to ensure projects stay on track and within defined parameters and resource constraints
• Conduct environmental testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, and shock simulations in controlled laboratory settings with calibrated equipment
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of team testing capabilities, standards, and best practices over time
• Collaborate with mission planners and scientists to align test objectives with operational requirements for current and future lunar missions

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Minimum of seven years of experience in test engineering, systems engineering, or a closely related discipline in a professional environment
• Demonstrated experience leading test efforts for complex mechatronic or robotic systems in a research or industrial setting
• Strong understanding of system integration testing principles, verification and validation methods, and hardware-in-the-loop methodologies
• Proficiency in writing test scripts and using automated testing tools for continuous validation workflows and regression testing
• Experience with space-grade or military-grade environmental testing standards and protocols for hardware qualification purposes
• Ability to travel to test sites and laboratories as needed to support on-site validation activities and equipment setup
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting results clearly and presenting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Nice to have

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience in a related technical field
• Prior experience working on lunar or planetary exploration programs or similar aerospace initiatives with hardware testing focus
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering tools and requirements management platforms for traceability and configuration control
• Background in developing test strategies for autonomous robotic systems operating in unstructured and unpredictable environments
• Knowledge of radiation testing procedures and space hardware qualification processes for mission-critical electronic and mechanical components

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages for test automation, scripting, and data analysis tasks
• Experience with LabVIEW, Cypress, or other hardware-in-the-loop test software platforms for real-time system validation
• Knowledge of version control systems such as Git for managing test code, configurations, and collaborative development workflows
• Familiarity with CAD and simulation tools for reviewing system designs and identifying testability concerns before execution
• Understanding of electronic test equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and data acquisition systems
• Working knowledge of Agile or iterative development methodologies as applied to test engineering and continuous integration practices

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position based at the Lunaroutpost office in Golden, Colorado, with no remote work option specified in the listing
• Candidates should expect to work in a laboratory and office environment with occasional visits to external testing facilities and partner sites
• The role may require working hours that align with project milestones, testing campaign schedules, and critical delivery dates throughout the year
• Lunaroutpost is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels to apply