The Senior Flight Software Test Engineer will develop SITL and HITL testing code, lead automated test framework design, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring software compatibility in simulations.
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Senior Flight Software Test Engineer - HITL, reporting to the Manager of Flight Software Test, to support the development of the automated testing systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Develop Software In the Loop (SITL) and Hardware In the Loop (HITL) test execution code to run software on vehicle hardware and in SITL test environment
- Assist with architecting the automated test framework for Vast overall, and lead the implementation of cross-functional testing across the company
- Assist with architecting and building of HITL test fixtures for avionics and other electrical and electronics hardware
- Work with subject matter experts to develop and interface with high fidelity physics simulator and with various devices for hardware and software in the loop simulations
- Work with Ground Software teams to complete the test loop from GSW commanding to HITL and to streaming telemetry off the Vehicle Test Assets, as well as HITL and Avionics Test Stand telemetry to long term data infrastructure pipeline
- Work with Responsible Engineers across the organization to capture requirements for HITL test cases and understand the Vehicle System
- Develop unit, integration, and regression tests, and establish continuous integration framework for flight and ground software
- Act as a technical leader for the team, mentoring junior engineers on the Flight Software Test team and across the Flight Software Team as a whole
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience coding in C++ or Python
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience working in a continuous build and test environment
- Familiarity with Git, Cmake, and GNU tools
- Knowledge of CI/CD and issue tracking tools such as the Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Bitbucket, Confluence) and Github
- Able to work in a Linux environment
- Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers
- Confident with use of command line based tools
- Experience with Embedded Systems
- Fault-tolerant and safety-critical software design
- Experience developing software for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft or autonomous vehicles
- Network programming experience
- Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry systems
- Familiarity with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters
- Knowledge of and experience using Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems such as National Instruments.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Salary Range: California
$155,000—$190,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Top Skills
Atlassian Suite
C++
Cmake
Data Acquisition Systems
Git
Git
Gnu Tools
Linux
Python
Vast Long Beach, California, USA Office
2851 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA, United States, 90755
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