Software Test & Automation Engineer, Avionics & Spacecraft

OUR COMPANY

As an early mover in the in-space transportation and infrastructure services, Momentus is at the forefront of the commercialization of space. With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system.

OUR PEOPLE

Daring problems require daring solutions. We boldly charge into uncharted territory knowing that no matter the outcome we will benefit from the journey and move closer to our goals no matter what. Our teams know that working at Momentus means more than building innovative technology, it means creating entirely new markets in the space economy. We are level-headed, business-minded strategic thinkers intent on providing immediate value to our customers today while simultaneously preparing for the vast possibilities of the future. If this sounds like you, we should talk.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Software Test & Automation Engineer, Avionics & Spacecraft to develop, sustain, and continuously improve software-driven test and validation systems for avionics hardware and spacecraft. You will lead the development of automated test frameworks, instrument control software, and data analysis pipelines while supporting ongoing test operations, anomaly resolution, and long-term sustainment of test infrastructure across multiple spacecraft programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Test Automation & Software Development

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable automated test frameworks for avionics and spacecraft systems
• Develop software for instrument control, data acquisition (DAQ), and hardware interaction (e.g., SCPI, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet)
• Build reusable, modular test software to support unit, subsystem, and system-level validation
• Integrate test automation into CI/CD pipelines and version-controlled environments for repeatable validation

Validation & Verification (V&V)

• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and validation strategies aligned to system requirements and mission profiles
• Support functional, regression, environmental, and performance testing (e.g., TVAC, vibration, RF, power systems)
• Ensure traceability between requirements, test cases, and verification results

Sustainment & Continuous Improvement

• Own long-term sustainment of test software, infrastructure, and databases across multiple programs and hardware revisions
• Identify gaps in test coverage and implement automation solutions to improve test efficiency, repeatability, and reliability
• Drive improvements in test architecture, tooling, and data management to support scaling production and test throughput
• Maintain and upgrade legacy test systems to align with evolving hardware and software architectures

Hardware-Software Integration

• Interface directly with avionics hardware, including PCBAs, embedded systems, RF systems, and electronics
• Debug complex issues across hardware and software boundaries using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers)
• Support hardware bring-up, testbed development, and integration activities

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Develop automated data processing pipelines to convert raw test data into actionable insights
• Perform statistical analysis, anomaly detection, and performance trending
• Generate detailed test reports, dashboards, and metrics to support engineering and program decisions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, and reliability engineering teams
• Participate in design reviews and provide input on testability, verification strategy, and risk reduction
• Support failure investigations and root cause analysis with data-driven insights

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong proficiency in Python (or similar language) for test automation, data analysis, and scripting
• Experience developing automated test systems for hardware validation (avionics, spacecraft, aerospace, or similar complex systems)
• Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers)
• Experience with instrument control protocols (e.g., SCPI) and hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet)
• Familiarity with Linux environments, command line tools, and version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Experience designing and executing verification and validation (V&V) test plans and procedures
• Strong debugging skills across hardware, firmware, and software systems
• Experience with data acquisition systems (DAQ) and sensor integration
• Ability to analyze complex datasets using tools/libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, MATLAB, or similar
• Strong documentation and communication skills for technical reporting and cross-team collaboration

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or aerospace systems
• Familiarity with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, thermal cycling)
• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and/or Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) systems
• Experience building test automation infrastructure at scale (production or high-rate manufacturing environments)
• Knowledge of power electronics, or embedded systems validation
• Experience with database systems (SQL, data pipelines, telemetry storage)
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for hardware/software validation workflows
• Experience with LabVIEW, TestStand, or similar test automation platforms
• Understanding of measurement uncertainty, calibration, and statistical analysis (e.g., GR&R)
• Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, or other aerospace quality standards
• Ability to design test fixtures, harnesses, and testbeds
• Previous experience working on DoD and other USG development and deployment programs
• Ability to hold and maintain a USG Security Clearance
  

Education & Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related STEM field
• 3–8+ years of relevant experience in test automation, hardware/software integration, or system validation
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant field is a plus
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or other high-reliability industries preferred

Compensation:

Annual Base Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000/per year
Base pay is one part of our total compensation package (base+bonus+equity) and is determined within a range. Your actual base salary will be determined on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Our benefit plans include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k retirement plan, short and long term disability and life insurance. We also offer flexible PTO, along with 11 paid holidays, sick time and paid parental leave.

This is a full-time position in San Jose, California. This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

To all recruitment agencies: Momentus does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees or any company email. Momentus will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.