Sr. Test Engineer, HITL Verified today

About Observable Space

Observable Space builds precision optics platforms and distributed compute systems for Earth observation and space. Our systems are used by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and other leading organizations. We combine opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and APIs into world-class products with in-house manufacturing.

The Role

As a Senior Test Engineer, HITL, you will design, build, and operate hardware-in-the-loop test systems across our full product line, from robotic ground-based telescopes to future on-orbit platforms. You will validate performance, reliability, and integration of hardware and software systems, working hands-on with real hardware while developing automated test frameworks and simulating real-world and space environments. You will report to the Systems or Embedded Engineering Lead.

What You'll Do

• Architect, implement, and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test systems for validating spacecraft and telescope subsystems.
• Design test infrastructure that integrates real hardware with simulated environments (sensors, actuators, communication links, and control systems).
• Develop automated test frameworks and tooling to enable scalable, repeatable validation across the product lifecycle.
• Build and maintain simulation environments for system-level testing, including fault injection and edge case validation.
• Collaborate closely with embedded, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure 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 across releases.
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.) to ensure testability, reliability, and system robustness.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar languages used 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, 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.

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 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.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary aligned with industry standards and your experience.
• Equity opportunities with stock options.
• Hybrid work environment; minimum 3 days per week in LA office.
• Unlimited PTO (exempt only) with paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer-paid premiums for employees.
• Access to cutting-edge hardware and software tools.
• Mission-driven culture focused on meaningful, real-world impact.