Embedded Software Test Engineer

About the Job 
We are looking for a Software Test Engineer to own the validation of our complex radar payload. In this role, you will bridge the gap between hardware and software, writing the code that proves our system works. You will develop specialized firmware to exercise our FPGAs, RF front-ends, and antenna arrays, while simultaneously building high-level Python automation to orchestrate test campaigns. You will work in a hands-on lab environment, pushing our hardware to its limits to ensure it survives and performs in the extreme conditions of space.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated test frameworks in Python to characterize the performance of radar, RF, and antenna subsystems.

• Write firmware in C/C++ to stimulate hardware interfaces, inject test patterns into FPGAs, and control RF transceivers during validation.

• Develop Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test setups that integrate flight software, ground station commands, and simulated environmental data.

• Automate the control of laboratory test equipment (Signal Generators, Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Oscilloscopes) to capture and analyze system performance data.

• Collaborate with FPGA and RF engineers to define test requirements and debug complex hardware-software integration issues.

• Analyze test data to identify trends, performance regressions, and potential hardware failures before they reach orbit.

• Maintain and upgrade continuous integration (CI) pipelines that run automated tests on physical hardware targets.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded software development, or hardware validation.

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets (writing test firmware, drivers, or diagnostic tools).

• Expertise in Python for test automation, data analysis, and instrument control (e.g., PyVISA, NumPy, Pandas).

• Familiarity with standard communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and PCIe.

• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (Oscilloscopes, VNAs, Spectrum Analyzers) and debugging hardware down to the component level.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.

• Experience with radar systems, phased array antennas, or satellite communications.

• Experience with Xilinx Zynq/MPSoC platforms and Petalinux/Yocto build systems.

• Familiarity with continuous integration tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI) applied to hardware testing.

• Background in developing automated drivers for test equipment (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu).