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Space Technology, Aerospace, Satellite Communications

Software Test & Automation Engineer II

Rockville, MDOnsiteFull Time$100,000–$140,000 /yrPosted 7 days ago

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Required skills

  • spacecraft flight software
  • automated testing solutions
  • reliability
  • functionality
  • performance
  • software integration
  • verification
  • regression testing
  • automated test frameworks
  • requirements-based test cases

Nice to have

  • command and telemetry processing
  • mode management
  • fault detection and recovery
  • embedded Linux
  • spacecraft simulation tools
  • ground support equipment

Role summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Software Test & Automation Engineer II to develop and maintain automated testing solutions for spacecraft flight software. This role involves creating automated test frameworks, test cases, and scripts to ensure the reliability and functionality of mission-critical systems. You will collaborate with flight software and systems engineering teams, support testing in SIL/HIL environments, and integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines. The ideal candidate has strong programming skills in Python or C/C++, experience with test automation, and a background in embedded systems testing. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to next-generation space missions in a fast-paced environment.

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Software Test & Automation Engineer II to develop and maintain automated testing solutions that ensure the reliability, functionality, and performance of our next-generation spacecraft flight software. In this role, you will contribute to software integration, verification, and regression testing by developing automated test frameworks, requirements-based test cases, and test scripts that validate mission-critical spacecraft functions.

You will work closely with flight software, systems engineering, and integration and test teams to support software testing across software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight-representative environments. This position is ideal for an engineer with strong programming and test automation skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building reliable software for next-generation space missions.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

  • Develop and maintain automated integration, verification, and regression testing capabilities for spacecraft flight software.
  • Design, implement, and execute requirements-based test cases and automated test scripts to validate flight software functionality and performance.
  • Develop and enhance automated test frameworks using Python, C/C++, or equivalent programming languages.
  • Verify spacecraft command and telemetry processing, mode management, fault management, and other critical flight software functions.
  • Support software testing in software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight-representative environments.
  • Collaborate with flight software developers, systems engineers, and integration and test teams to identify defects, troubleshoot issues, and support root-cause analysis.
  • Develop and maintain automated regression test suites to ensure software changes do not impact existing functionality.
  • Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to improve software quality, testing efficiency, and development workflows.
  • Analyze test results, document defects, and generate verification reports to support software readiness and requirements compliance.
  • Support the development and maintenance of software test environments, simulation tools, and test infrastructure.
  • Participate in technical reviews and contribute to improvements in software verification processes, automation tools, and configuration management practices.

    • What It Takes

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 2+ years of experience in software development, software testing, test automation, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, or equivalent languages.
  • Experience developing automated test scripts, test frameworks, or software verification tools.
  • Experience testing embedded systems, real-time software, or complex software applications.
  • Understanding of software integration, verification, validation, and regression testing methodologies.
  • Familiarity with automated testing, CI/CD processes, and software configuration management practices.
  • Experience with software debugging, troubleshooting, and defect tracking.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.

    • Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Experience with spacecraft flight software, satellite systems, avionics, or other mission-critical embedded software.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft flight software architectures, command and telemetry processing, mode management, and fault detection and recovery.
  • Hands-on experience with software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.
  • Experience developing automated test frameworks using Python, pytest, or similar testing tools.
  • Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded Linux, or similar environments.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft simulation tools, ground support equipment, or flight-representative test environments.
  • Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or GitHub Actions.
  • Experience with Git, JIRA, or similar software development and configuration management tools.
  • Understanding of requirements traceability, test coverage analysis, and software verification and validation (V&V) processes.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft integration and testing, software qualification, or mission readiness activities.

    • What You’ll Get

  • Ownership – Develop and maintain automated testing solutions that directly contribute to the reliability and performance of mission-critical spacecraft flight software.
  • Innovation – Support transformative aerospace and defense programs enabling next-generation space mobility and operations.
  • Impact – Help ensure spacecraft flight software meets critical performance, reliability, and mission readiness requirements through automated verification and testing.
  • Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team working across flight software, systems engineering, and spacecraft integration and testing in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
  • Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

    • Location: Rockville, MD

    Base Salary: $100,000-140,000

    The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

    Additional Requirements

    To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

    Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

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