Test Engineer, Ground Systems at Observable Space

From telescopes to software architecture, Observable Space provides the foundational elements every organization needs to operate in space. Observable Space is unlocking continuous, real-time observations of space with the industry’s first line of vertically integrated hardware and software products. The company is a leader in advanced telescope design and manufacturing in the US. Every product is part of a robust developer platform for space data applications. Observable Space’s full line of products serves all sectors of the space industry including commercial, science, education, and government customers, as well as astronomy enthusiasts discovering the cosmos. Observable Space is backed by top institutional investors–Upfront Ventures, Oceans Ventures, Venrex, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures. ROLE SUMMARY As a Test Engineer, Ground Systems, you will work across our full product line, focusing on robotic ground-based telescope systems and observatory infrastructure. You will design, build, and operate test systems that validate the performance, reliability, and integration of our hardware and software in real-world environments. This role is deeply hands-on: you will work directly with physical systems, develop automated test frameworks, simulate operational conditions, and debug complex issues across electrical, mechanical, and software domains. You will report to the Systems or Embedded Engineering Lead. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Architect, implement, and document test systems for ground-based observatory and telescope platforms. - Design and maintain automated test frameworks that validate system performance, reliability, and integration. - Build and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) and system-level test environments. - Develop simulation environments to emulate real-world operating conditions, including sensor inputs, control systems, and communication interfaces. - Debug complex issues across hardware and software boundaries, including intermittent and edge-case failures. - Collaborate closely with embedded, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure comprehensive system validation. - Define and execute test plans, validation procedures, and performance benchmarks. - Support hardware bring-up, integration, and field testing of ground systems. - Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous validation of system performance. - Participate in product design reviews to ensure testability, reliability, and long-term maintainability. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development. - Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, or similar languages used for automation and system testing. - Experience designing and implementing system-level or hardware-integrated test environments. - Solid understanding of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, UART) and embedded systems. - Experience with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, etc.) for debugging and validation. - Ability to read and interpret schematics and debug at the electrical–software boundary. - Strong debugging intuition and ability to diagnose complex system-level issues. - Experience working in fast-paced prototyping environments with rapid iteration cycles. - Strong product sense with a focus on reliability, robustness, and field performance. BONUS QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testing or simulation-based validation systems. - Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, or firmware development environments. - Experience with networking systems, distributed control systems, or telemetry pipelines. - Background in robotics, observatory systems, or remote/automated operations. - Experience building CI/CD pipelines for hardware-integrated systems. - Experience with environmental testing or field deployment of hardware systems. - Contributions to open-source testing frameworks or embedded systems projects. - Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration. WHAT WE OFFER - Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience. - Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options. - Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only) - Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves. - Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees. - Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work. - Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact. - Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued. Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.