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Observable Space is a vertically integrated space technology company building precision optics platforms and distributed compute systems for Earth observation and in-space applications. The company serves NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force, and leading research institutions.
As a Senior Test Engineer specializing in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) systems, you will design, build, and operate comprehensive test infrastructure that validates the performance, reliability, and integration of hardware and software across the full product line—from robotic ground-based telescope systems to future on-orbit platforms.
Key responsibilities include:
- Architect and maintain HITL test systems for validating spacecraft and telescope subsystems
- Design test infrastructure integrating real hardware with simulated environments (sensors, actuators, communication links, control systems)
- Develop automated test frameworks and tooling for scalable, repeatable validation across the product lifecycle
- Build and maintain simulation environments for system-level testing, including fault injection and edge-case validation
- Collaborate with embedded, electrical, mechanical, and software teams on comprehensive system verification
- Debug complex system-level issues across hardware and software boundaries, including real-time and edge-case failures
- Define and execute test plans, validation procedures, and performance benchmarks for integrated systems
- Support hardware bring-up, integration, and system-level validation activities
- Contribute to CI/CD pipelines by integrating automated test suites and ensuring test coverage
- Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) to ensure testability, reliability, and system robustness
You will report to the Systems or Embedded Engineering Lead and work in a hands-on capacity interfacing directly with real hardware and complex cross-disciplinary systems.
The role is hybrid with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Los Angeles office to support collaboration and team culture.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development
- Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar languages for test automation and system integration
- Experience designing and implementing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) or system-level test environments
- Solid understanding of embedded systems and hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet)
- Experience with real-time systems and lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters)
- Ability to read schematics and debug issues at the electrical–software boundary
- Strong debugging mindset and ability to diagnose complex, cross-disciplinary issues
- Experience in fast-paced, iterative development environments
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with spacecraft, aerospace systems, robotics, or other high-reliability environments
- Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, or firmware development workflows
- Experience building simulation environments or digital twins for system validation
- Knowledge of communication protocols and telemetry systems for distributed or remote systems
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated test infrastructure for hardware-integrated systems
- Background in vision systems, sensors, or control systems
- Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum) and validation workflows
- Contributions to open-source testing frameworks or embedded systems projects
- Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration
