Sr. Test Engineer, HITL

The role

You will design, build, and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test systems. You will validate the performance, reliability, and integration of hardware and software systems across the product line.

What you will do

• Architect, implement, and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test systems.
• Design test infrastructure integrating real hardware with simulated environments.
• Develop automated test frameworks and tooling.
• Build and maintain simulation environments for system-level testing.
• Collaborate with embedded, electrical, mechanical, and software teams.
• Debug complex system-level issues across hardware and software boundaries.
• Define and execute test plans, validation procedures, and performance benchmarks.
• Support hardware bring-up, integration, and system-level validation activities.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines by integrating automated test suites.
• Participate in design reviews.

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar languages.
• Experience designing and implementing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) or system-level test environments.
• Solid understanding of embedded systems, hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and real-time systems.
• Experience using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, etc.) for debugging and validation.
• Ability to read schematics and debug issues at the electrical–software boundary.
• Strong debugging mindset and ability to diagnose complex, cross-disciplinary issues.
• Experience working in fast-paced, iterative development environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines.

Nice to have

• 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 used in 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Equity Opportunities (stock options)
• Flexible Work Environment
• Unlimited PTO (Salaried positions only)
• Paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer
• Cutting-Edge Tools
• Mission-Driven Culture
• Inclusive Team

About the company

Observable Space is a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building precision optics platforms. They deliver systems enabling navigation, observation, and communication in space.