Senior Software Test Engineer; Space Systems

Senior Software Test Engineer (Space Systems) Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

We are an ambitious space startup in Seattle redefining how the industry approaches rapid orbital delivery. We’re looking for a Senior Software Test Engineer to own the validation of our next-generation spacecraft platform.

This isn't a "check-the-box" QA role. You will bridge the gap between development and mission operations—building high-fidelity Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environments, writing sophisticated test code, and integrating complex vendor baselines into a unified, flight-ready stack. You are the final line of defense for software reliability, ensuring our assets perform flawlessly in the harshest environments imaginable.

• Own the Stack: Lead the software and firmware integration from first power-on to flight-ready status, ensuring every subsystem is validated and synchronized.
• Build the Lab: Design and expand our HITL environments to support edge cases, fault injection, and full end-to-end mission simulations.
• Architect Reliability: Review and influence software architecture—including state machines and ICDs—to bake reliability into the code from day one.
• Automate Everything: Partner with Avionics to build out CI/CD pipelines and automated regression frameworks that allow us to move fast without breaking things.
• Solve the Hard Problems: Debug deep-system firmware issues across avionics and payloads, driving root-cause resolution with internal teams and external vendors.

• 5–7+ Years of
  
  Experience:
  
  You’ve spent significant time in the trenches developing or testing embedded systems for mission-critical applications (Space, Aerospace, or Robotics).
• HITL Mastery: You have "hands-on-hardware" experience with embedded bring-up and complex test environments.
• Code Proficiency: You are highly proficient in C/C++ and Python for both embedded development and sophisticated test automation.
• Startup DNA: You thrive in high-autonomy, fast-paced environments where you are expected to take full ownership of your domain.

• Direct experience with spacecraft subsystems (ADCS, Power, or Avionics).
• Familiarity with RTOS
  , embedded Linux, or flight software frameworks (cFS, FreeRTOS).
• Knowledge of aerospace protocols: CAN, UART, Ethernet.
• Strong opinions on how to build world-class FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery) systems.
• A Master’s degree or a track record of mentoring junior engineers.

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Defense and Space Manufacturing and Space Research and Technology