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Staff Test Software Engineer - CDH

Irvine, CA

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Summary 

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Staff Test Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Production IPT Lead - CDH the Staff Test Software Engineer will play a crucial part in revolutionizing our production capabilities by designing and implementing automated satellite vehicle test systems. Your primary focus will be to reduce operator interaction by automating testing at the satellite module level – specifically supporting the Product and Production development across all CDH modules. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will design, develop and deploy test automation frameworks, optimize test sequences, and be a driving force behind our space vehicle deliveries! With a passion for scaling automation, you will be at the forefront of innovation driving advancements in automated testing and production scaling. Your test software and hardware expertise will be invaluable in developing robust automation systems and ensuring seamless integration of automation solutions into our manufacturing processes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop, build, and maintain automated test software and frameworks using LabVIEW and TestStand, ensuring efficient, reusable, and reliable test scripts.
  • Improve test coverage by identifying untested code areas and developing appropriate unit and system tests.
  • Implement Agile or hybrid-Agile methodologies to manage and prioritize tasks, utilizing tools such as GitLab for task management and progress tracking.
  • Communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities clearly and effectively to engineering and leadership, ensuring continuous alignment.
  • Present project status and maintain documentation using Confluence.
  • Integrate test software with CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous testing and deployment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define test requirements, ensure comprehensive test coverage, and architect solutions for a variety of hardware and system components.
  • Lead the development of the automation strategy, including defining best practices and standards, and perform individual and group code reviews to ensure the quality and functionality of automated tests.
  • Analyze and enhance performance testing strategies for complex systems.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and team members, and lead software development process improvement initiatives.
  • Work with hardware engineers and software developers to define system requirements and ensure seamless integration of automated solutions.
  • Define the process for software verification matrices to show system test requirements coverage.
  • Conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations on the implementation of automation technologies to support high-volume production.
  • Develop and execute test plans to validate the functionality and performance of satellite hardware.
  • Author detailed technical documentation for automation systems, including design specifications, user manuals, and maintenance guides.
  • Provide technical support and training to end-users, ensuring smooth adoption and operation of automated systems.
  • Support debugging and troubleshooting on-site and remotely during off hours as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in Test Automation.
  • Extensive experience with LabVIEW and TestStand, working in an Agile or hybrid-Agile environment.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills to identify and resolve technical issues.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in tools such as GitLab for task management and CI/CD, with strong understanding of CI/CD practices and tools.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex information clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Experience with GitLab or Confluence for documentation and progress reporting.
  • Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality automated solutions.
  • Strong technical expertise in leading test automation projects and guiding multiple developers in delivering robust automation solutions.
  • Strong understanding of software engineering principles, including software architecture, design patterns, unit testing, source code control and best practices.
  • Ability to design and architect complex test systems integrating multiple hardware and software components.
  • Experience with ensuring adherence to industry standards and compliance requirements in test development and execution.
  • Well-versed in various QA methodologies, tools, and processes.
  • Strong knowledge of hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., GPIB, USB, Ethernet, RS-485, RS-422).
  • Experience with hardware integration, including data acquisition devices (DIO, AIO), electronic loads, programmable power supplies, and digital multimeters (DMM).
  • U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.

Additional Differentiators

  • LabVIEW and/or TestStand Certifications (e.g. CLA, CTA).
  • Python Certifications (e.g. PCPP).
  • Well-versed in containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate python, LabVIEW and/or TestStand with other software platforms or programming languages.
  • Expertise in programming for real-time targets and FPGA devices.
  • Proficiency in handling large datasets and implementing complex data analysis algorithms.
  • Experience with managing the full lifecycle of automation software development, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance.
  • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g. Grafana, Power BI or Tableau).
  • Experienced in working within a real-world production environment.
  • Prior experience in scaling automation for high-volume manufacturing environments.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag! 

Salary Range

$140,000 - $170,000 USD

 Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital 

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm. 

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