Sr. Software Engineer, Hardware Test & Automation

About the role

This position supports the Starshield program, which provides satellite-based national security capabilities for government use. You will build the automation infrastructure and software tools required to test and validate hardware for Starshield satellites. Your work will directly impact the reliability and production efficiency of flight hardware systems. The role requires designing and implementing software solutions that bridge hardware instrumentation with automated test frameworks. You will be responsible for ensuring that test procedures are robust, repeatable, and scalable for high-volume production environments. Collaboration with hardware engineers, test technicians, and integration teams is essential to align software tools with evolving hardware requirements. The position demands a strong commitment to quality, precision, and ownership of the entire test automation lifecycle from design to deployment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create modular automation software using Python to support manufacturing and design verification.
• Build software interfaces for flight hardware, instrumentation, and production documentation systems.
• Design test execution frameworks for hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and virtualized simulations.
• Engineer custom automation solutions by integrating embedded electronics with hardware.
• Develop algorithms for analyzing test data against acceptance criteria.
• Maintain and debug existing automation infrastructure while identifying root causes for failures.
• Manage project milestones and conduct reviews to ensure test systems are production-ready.
• Design tools that improve software deployment, test execution, and continuous integration pipelines.
• Implement logging and reporting mechanisms to track test results and system performance.
• Support the integration of new hardware platforms into existing test environments.
• Optimize test workflows to reduce cycle times and improve throughput.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define test requirements and validation procedures.
• Develop scripts and utilities to automate repetitive tasks and reduce manual effort.
• Contribute to technical documentation and standard operating procedures for test systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in engineering, computer science, math, or a related STEM field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in software development using C, C++, or Python, or professional experience in full stack development.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Top-Secret security clearance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in complex technical environments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle and best practices in coding and testing.
• Willingness to adhere to strict safety and compliance standards in a regulated environment.
• Capability to manage multiple priorities and meet aggressive project deadlines.
• Effective communication skills to interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and methodologies.
• Willingness to follow documented procedures and contribute to process improvements.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in Linux and Windows environments.
• Experience with version control, configuration management, agile development, and continuous integration.
• Background in automating processes to boost manufacturing yields and shorten production cycles.
• Knowledge of control feedback loop design, signal processing, and numerical analysis.
• Experience with digital and analog interfaces including CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, and analog-to-digital conversion.
• Experience with spacecraft fluid systems, high-power electrical systems, or embedded hardware development.
• Familiarity with containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Background in RF system design, modems, and diagnostic test equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware-software interactions, including lab instrumentation and network devices.

Skills & tools

• Python, C, C++
• Linux, Windows
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing
• Embedded electronics
• Continuous integration and deployment systems

Practical notes

• Salary range is $165,000 to $230,000 per year.
• Active clearances receive a 10% differential (up to $20,000 annually) upon briefing into a classified program.
• Total compensation includes potential stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, and 3 weeks of vacation plus 10+ holidays.
• Active clearance holders may be subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.