Software Test Engineer

Job Title: Test Engineer

Duration: 3 years

Location: Lexington, MA - 3 days/wk onsite

Description: Develops procedures, methods and tools for test, verification, and certification of products. Validates testing activities and results of manufacturing equipment and/or hardware. Participates in design verification of new equipment or hardware. Participates in preparing product compliance documentation. Develops procedures and tools for testing, calibration, and verification of the equipment. Ensures the equipment is properly tested, calibrated, and certified according to the corresponding procedures. Ensures accurate document, record and archive measurement data pertaining to product. Responsible for testing parameters and process control performance.

Background/Need: The Group collaborates with every research area at the Lab to create systems that accomplish their objectives in real-world scenarios and in unpredictable surroundings. Our engineers develop complex software and electronics systems, from concept to realization, for a variety of prototypes. We utilize the applied research approach to work on capabilities such as pointing and stabilization techniques to enable efficient space-based laser communication, and to build prototypes such as a ground-based sensor to detect biological threats in real time. Our engineers are developing airborne visual navigation; flight controls; and on-orbit pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems. We have expertise in space-qualified electronics, precision controls, firmware, embedded software, and application software.

Other information relevant to the job requirement?

Group is seeking a test engineer to own test infrastructure and ground support for satellite payload software and hardware.

A successful candidate will be comfortable working in an innovative engineering group to accommodate changing demands. The candidate will be expected to own the ground support solution and enable scaling of test coverage and capabilities to higher levels of system complexity. The ability to debug functionality across software, hardware, and communication domains will be highly valuable. A successful candidate will also document best practices for process development and implementation with automated regression testing. Good estimating and time-management skills are necessary to meet critical schedules. Must be able to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with peers.

Activities include configuration, management, and deployment of the satellite emulation software package in support of payload testing. Additional activities include test definition and execution, control of lab equipment, testbed design & support, scripting for test procedures & automated test, CI/CD support, and documentation. This position enables test-as-you-fly environments for the payloads under development, from initial prototype through system integration.

Required Skills:

• A BS in an Engineering field
• Three or more years of related experience in QA, software development, or instrumentation.
• Proficient in Python, including OOP, device instrumentation, and optionally PyQt
• Able to navigate modern C software and discuss object-oriented designs
• Familiarity with OpenC3 COSMOS or similar ground control application
• Understanding and basic troubleshooting skills of test instrumentation, including network -connectivity
• Experience in hardware / software interfaces and data gathering
• Ability to derive test definitions from functional descriptions and interface control documents
• Experience with source control best practices and tools, e.g., git
• Familiarity with mission control systems and ground station concepts
• Knowledge of test automation approaches and integration testing
• Demonstrated ability to interact with others respectfully and develop productive working relationships.
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication.

Desired (1 or more of the following):

• Familiarity in Linux RedHat administration and package management
• Experience with Docker and containerization
• Familiarity with scripting (Bash)
• Experience working with mission-critical hardware
• Experience with ticketing systems like JIRA
• Experience with CI/CD pipeline tools such as GitHub Actions, BitBucket, or GitLab
• Experience with Matlab for data processing, TCP/UDP instrumentation and data gathering, and GUI development
• Understanding of flight operations, telemetry, and satellite payload Concept of Operations

Others:

• Clearance: Interim clearance is acceptable to start. An active secret clearance would be highly preferred.
• Work Location: Candidate should expect to be onsite at least 3 days/wk. There may be periods of time in the program lifecycle that may require more onsite work.
• Interview Process: Initial technical screening and then a second round with a wider group audience. If the candidates are local, the second-round interview would be in person. The group will entertain zoom interviews for any relocation candidates.