What are the responsibilities and job description for the Spacecraft Software Test Engineer position at MRI Technologies?
MRI Technologies has an exciting opportunity for a Spacecraft Software Test Engineer supporting the JETS II contract at NASA Johnson Space Center. In this role, you will support NASA's deep-space exploration programs by developing, integrating, and verifying spacecraft software used across vehicle systems. You will serve as a software subject-matter expert embedded within an integrated product team, contributing to the full software development life cycle and supporting mission-critical testing for human-rated spaceflight systems.
A typical day involves decomposing system-level requirements into software requirements, developing and debugging C-based interfaces between government-furnished equipment (GFE) and contractor-supplied modules, and executing integration and verification tests in a Linux environment. In the morning you may be writing Python test scripts or updating configuration management documentation; in the afternoon you could be collaborating with the Integrated Product Team to review test results, trace requirements through verification matrices, or troubleshoot embedded processor behavior. The work is hands-on, technically demanding, and directly tied to safe human spaceflight.
What We Are Looking For
This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on your experience and business needs, we may consider candidates at any level for which the position has been advertised. We will consider both Engineering and IT professionals.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field, or bachelor's degree or equivalent certification in a related area, with 2–5 years of relevant experience
- Strong C programming skills with hands-on experience within the last 2 years
- Proficiency developing and debugging C in a Linux environment
- Strong Python development experience within the last 2 years
- Ability to decompose system-level requirements into software requirements and develop traceability
- Experience writing software to integrate GFE and contractor-supplied modules
- Experience performing software interface analysis, integration testing, and verification
- Familiarity with IDE tools and web-based collaboration platforms
- Experience with system and software configuration management
- Ability to work both independently and within a team environment using agile software development practices
- Strong communication, coordination, and customer-facing skills
- Strong time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Preferences:
- Experience with unit or integration system software testing
- Background working with embedded processors
- Experience with VxWorks RTOS
- Familiarity with data-driven architectures
- Experience with Core Flight System (cFS) or similar flight software frameworks
- Knowledge of NASA NPR 7150.2, DO-178C, and NASA-STD-8739.8 for safety-critical software
- Experience developing and testing safety-critical software within an Integrated Product Team
- Full life-cycle software development experience
- Experience with collaboration tools such as GitLab, JIRA, and Confluence
- Strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision
Benefits and Perks
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, company paid life and disability insurance, paid time off, and 401(k). You'll also enjoy a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off, when applicable), an onsite cafeteria, and strong career development opportunities working alongside NASA's human spaceflight teams.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
MRI Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
As we are a Federal Contractor, most positions require the employee to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government background investigation. MRI also completes a pre-screening background check for anyone offered employment.