Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and develop HIL test benches for full effector system integration, including flight controllers, ESCs, sensors, and ground control systems
• Integrate high-fidelity simulation models (flight dynamics, actuator, and sensor models) that accurately replicate real-world behavior
• Integrate hardware components - including autopilot boards, communication links, power systems, and peripherals - into HIL systems
• Develop automated test suites and regression frameworks to validate software and firmware changes against HIL environments
• Collaborate with software and integration/test engineers to define test plans and acceptance criteria for new features and hardware releases
• Debug complex hardware-software interactions by analyzing HIL test data, logs, and telemetry
• Maintain and improve test infrastructure, including simulation software, real-time targets, and data acquisition systems
• Document test methodologies, procedures, and results clearly for cross-functional team use
• Support transition of HIL-validated systems to integration and flight test phases

Requirements

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; 3+ years of experience in hardware-in-the-loop testing, embedded systems integration, or a closely related discipline
• Hands-on experience building and operating HIL or SIL simulation environments for embedded or autonomous systems
• Proficiency in real-time simulation platforms (e.g., dSPACE, NI VeriStand, or similar)
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++ for test automation and system scripting
• Familiarity with flight controller software such as PX4, ArduPilot, or equivalent
• Experience with communication protocols common in drone systems (MAVLink, CAN, UART, SPI, I2C)
• Solid understanding of effector system architecture, including propulsion, navigation, and control loops
• Experience with version control systems and CI/CD pipelines for automated testing
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills across hardware and software domains
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree in Engineering
• Experience with ROS or ROS 2 for simulation and integration testing
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink for flight dynamics or control system modeling
• Exposure to flight test operations and transitioning systems from HIL to field testing
• Experience with FPGA firmware development or embedded Linux environments
• Knowledge of RF systems, GPS signal simulation, or sensor fusion techniques
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAV operational credentials

Benefits

Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company

Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more

Our Perks: Free daily lunch, ‘No meeting Fridays’, unlimited PTO, casual dress code

Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses

Team Growth: 250 employees and counting across 5 global offices