Vehicle Test Software Team Lead

Team Lead, Vehicle Test Team

As the Team Lead of the Vehicle Test team, you will build and manage the team responsible for writing the test software to verify the Astranis spacecraft from panel integration through the final full spacecraft checkouts. In addition to the vehicle test software you will own the test frameworks, as well as the HITL testbeds that we use to verify our satellites work — and keep working — on orbit. Day to day, you'll drive architectural decisions and technical direction at the boundary of software and hardware, in close collaboration with other engineering teams.

This role will contribute to both commercial and US Government programs. 

Role:

• Directly support vehicle test execution across all integration phases, from panel-level through full spacecraft, covering Propulsion, Avionics, RF, Power, and more
• Lead test framework, process, and architectural improvements for panel vehicle integration and test needs
• Oversee HITL testbed development end-to-end: design, procurement, integration, validation, and long-term support — serving vehicle testing, mission operations, and flight software verification
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams on testbed requirements, timelines, and budgets
• Identify and drive opportunities to automate manual processes and improve test efficiency
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in CS, EE (or equivalent background knowledge)
• 5+ years of experience in test engineering or related field
• 2+ years of people management experience
• Strong proficiency with Python
• Experience with hardware test and production environments
• Experience designing and implementing test frameworks, especially HITL systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Bonus:

• Experience reading schematics and data sheets, and debugging circuits that interface with embedded software
• Spacecraft or launch vehicle test experience