YOUR MISSION
We are seeking highly motivated Data and Control Systems Test Engineers to design, build, and operate the instrumentation, data acquisition, and test control systems that enable spacecraft testing. You will work closely with test engineers across all disciplines to define instrumentation requirements, develop data acquisition architectures, design and implement automated test control systems, and deliver high-quality test data for engineering analysis. In this role, you will architect DAQ systems for complex test campaigns, develop test automation and sequencing software, commission and calibrate instrumentation, troubleshoot hardware and software integration issues, and ensure test data integrity and traceability. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build mission-critical test infrastructure in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and implement data acquisition systems for propulsion, fluids, mechanical, avionics, and environmental test campaigns including sensor selection, signal conditioning, and DAQ hardware architecture.
- Develop automated test control and sequencing software using LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms to enable safe, repeatable, and efficient test execution.
- Define instrumentation requirements and sensor layouts in collaboration with test engineers to ensure full test objective coverage and requirements traceability.
- Commission, calibrate, and validate instrumentation and DAQ systems prior to test campaigns, including end-to-end checkout and uncertainty analysis.
- Develop real-time monitoring displays, safety interlocks, and automated abort logic for hazardous test operations.
- Perform post-test data processing, analysis, and visualization to support engineering disposition and requirements verification.
- Troubleshoot DAQ hardware, instrumentation, control system software, and network connectivity issues during test operations.
- Establish and maintain data management processes including file naming conventions, metadata standards, archival procedures, and configuration control for test data.
- Interface with avionics, software, and systems engineering teams to integrate spacecraft telemetry and command interfaces into ground test systems.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline.
- Years of relevant experience in data acquisition, test automation, instrumentation, or control systems engineering for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability test environments in line with engineering level.
- Hands-on experience with data acquisition hardware (National Instruments, Keysight, HBM,etc.) and software platforms (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python)
- Strong programming skills in at least one language commonly used for test automation(Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C/C++).
- Working knowledge of instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, strain gauges, accelerometers, and flow meters.
- Experience with signal conditioning, analog and digital I/O, and measurement uncertainty analysis.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware and software integration issues in test environments.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with ability to work across multidisciplinary test teams.
- U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in electrical, computer, or aerospace engineering.
- Experience with real-time control systems, PLC programming, or embedded systems development.
- Familiarity with spacecraft avionics interfaces, telemetry protocols, and command and data handling systems.
- Experience with high-speed data acquisition, video synchronization, or distributed DAQ architectures.
- Knowledge of Ethernet-based instrumentation protocols (Modbus TCP, EtherCAT, PROFINET).
- Experience with version control (Git), continuous integration, and software development best practices for test systems.
- Familiarity with hazardous test operations including propulsion testing, high-pressure systems, or environmental chambers.
- Experience with test data analysis tools and visualization platforms (Grafana, Tableau, custom dashboards).
- Background in systems engineering, requirements verification, or test planning.
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
