Staff Hardware Automation & Test Engineer (LabVIEW/TestStand) - Terran Orbital

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Staff Hardware Automation & Test Engineer (LabVIEW/TestStand)  to join our growing team. Reporting to the Test Systems Manager, the Staff Hardware Automation & Test Engineer will be crucial 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. 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

• Design, build, and maintain efficient, reusable, and reliable frameworks and test scripts
• Architect solutions for a variety of hardware and system components.
• Improve test coverage by identifying untested code areas and developing appropriate unit and system tests to cover them
• Lead the development of the automation strategy, including defining best practices and standards
• 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
• 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
• Communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities to engineering and leadership clearly and effectively
• 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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in Test Automation
• 8+ years of experience with LabVIEW software development
• 5+ years of experience with TestStand software development
• Significant technical expertise in leading test automation projects
• 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 working in an Agile environment
• Well-versed in various QA methodologies, tools, and processes
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong knowledge of hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., GPIB, USB, Ethernet, RS-485, RS-422, CAN)
• Experience with hardware integration, including data acquisition devices, electronic loads, programmable power supplies, and digital multimeters
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills to identify and resolve technical issues
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• 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

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)
• Experienced in working within a real-world production environment
• Prior experience in scaling automation for high-volume manufacturing environments

Benefits

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

Salary Range $120,000-$160,000

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 equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!  

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.