EGSE Engineer

About the role

The Exploration Company is pioneering a new era in orbital operations with Nyx, a modular and reusable space vehicle conceived for cargo and eventual human exploration. As an EGSE Engineer, you will own the critical bridge between the spacecraft and the ground, designing and maintaining the systems that enable verification, validation, and commissioning. You will architect and implement the hardware and software backbone for testing, ensuring that every bolt and line is verified before flight. Your work will directly influence the reliability and safety of missions by creating robust test environments that mirror the realities of space. You will translate complex spacecraft requirements into tangible test solutions that empower engineers and operators. This role demands a blend of deep technical expertise and practical problem-solving to overcome novel challenges in a dynamic startup environment. You will be instrumental in building the infrastructure that ensures mission success from the laboratory to the launch pad.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define, develop, and maintain the Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) sub-system and system-level testing strategy for Nyx, ensuring alignment with project milestones and quality gates.

Architect and implement EGSE hardware and software solutions tailored to specific test scenarios, AIT campaigns, and HiL environments, optimizing for reusability and scalability.

Develop LabVIEW-based applications for both desktop and real-time platforms, such as PXI and cRIO, to support checkout, functional, and pre-launch test operations with precision.

Integrate and configure NI VeriStand within real-time test setups, focusing on the simulation of spacecraft interfaces and the verification of umbilical and harness connections.

Design and support power distribution, signal conditioning, and telemetry/telecommand interfaces that ensure seamless and safe communication between the EGSE and the Unit or Spacecraft Under Test.

Support RF test activities for the TT&C chain, including the injection of uplink telecommands, reception of downlink telemetry, and coordination of conducted and radiated test setups with the RF and communications subsystem teams.

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including AIT, systems, RF, electrical, and flight software, to ensure the EGSE hardware and software integrate flawlessly into functional test platforms.

Provide support for test execution, data acquisition, logging, and the generation of automated reports throughout integration, functional, and environmental test campaigns.

Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, covering EGSE architecture specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), code documentation, and user and operator guides for clarity and continuity.

Offer support for debugging, troubleshooting, and the continuous improvement of EGSE and test platforms, including delivering on-site assistance during AIT and launch campaigns to resolve issues in real time.

Develop a robust and scalable EGSE software framework that promotes reuse and modularity across multiple projects, reducing development time and increasing consistency.

Define and implement test automation workflows to streamline test processes, improve accuracy, and reduce manual intervention in repetitive tasks.

Design and maintain EGSE-to-EUT interface hardware, including harnesses, breakout boxes, simulators, and load banks, ensuring correct isolation, protection, and safety interlocks for personnel and equipment.

Own the cable and harness design for EGSE-to-EUT connections, performing pinout definition, connector selection, shielding and grounding strategy, and the generation of detailed drawings using ECAD tools or equivalent software.

Coordinate closely with electrical, RF, and systems engineers to guarantee requirements traceability, interface compatibility, and comprehensive test coverage from concept to completion.

Drive the continuous evolution of the EGSE and HiL infrastructure, with a relentless focus on performance, reliability, maintainability, and operational efficiency in line with project objectives.

Ensure that all solutions meet stringent space-grade quality, safety, and cleanliness standards, including ESD control, contamination control, and compliance with project and range safety requirements.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field, providing a strong theoretical foundation for the role.

Demonstrate proficiency in LabVIEW, including the development of desktop and real-time applications, to create reliable and high-performance test systems.

Possess hands-on experience with NI VeriStand in real-time test environments, showcasing the ability to implement and manage complex test configurations.

Show familiarity with NI TestStand for test automation and execution management, ensuring efficient and orderly test sequences.

Exhibit a solid understanding of EGSE/test platform architectures, hardware/software integration, and real-time systems to design effective and robust solutions.

Have experience with spacecraft electrical interfaces, including power distribution and simulation, discrete and analog telemetry, telecommand encoding, and standard space communication protocols such as CAN, RS422/485, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, and Ethernet.

Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain ICDs and requirements traceability between EGSE and flight hardware, ensuring that test plans accurately reflect flight expectations.

Show the ability to influence and shape ICDs and connector/pinout definitions early in the design cycle, working collaboratively with electrical and systems engineers to ensure EGSE testability and harness manufacturability.

Bring experience with cable and harness design, including connector selection, pinout and wiring diagrams, shielding and grounding practices, and the generation of harness drawings using ECAD tools or draw.io/Visio equivalents.

Possess familiarity with RF test equipment and techniques, such as signal generators, spectrum and vector signal analyzers, RF switches, and calibrated attenuators, for TT&C uplink/downlink stimulation and monitoring.

Exhibit strong debugging and troubleshooting skills, applying a structured and methodical approach to problems, particularly during hardware bring-up and system integration phases.

Appreciate the value of LabVIEW FPGA and have experience or interest in leveraging it to meet demanding real-time and deterministic performance requirements.

Be capable of writing and integrating Python scripts to extend test workflows or support automation tasks, enhancing the flexibility and power of the test environment.

Show familiarity with test and measurement hardware, including oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, and electronic loads, and the ability to control them programmatically using standards such as VISA or SCPI.

Understand EMC and ESD-safe practices for handling flight and flight-like hardware to prevent damage and ensure integrity during testing.

Communicate fluently in English, with excellent written and verbal skills, to enable clear collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Prove the ability to work independently, drive initiatives end-to-end, and deliver high-quality results in a high-paced environment where priorities can shift rapidly.

Nice to have

Experience with space-specific test standards and frameworks is appreciated.

Practical notes

Full-time position based in Munich, Germany.

Travel is not required for this role.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applications must be submitted with a CV only.

Deadline for submission is 31 October 2025.