Spacecraft Functional Test Engineer II

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute spacecraft functional and system-level test procedures to verify vehicle performance and mission readiness.
• Design and maintain automated test scripts, configurations, and architectures to support efficient test execution across multiple programs.
• Collaborate with subsystem responsible engineers and chief engineers to define test requirements and ensure traceability to verification objectives.
• Support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) testbed development and maintenance, including defining configurations and integrating hardware/software interfaces.
• Monitor and troubleshoot test results, identifying issues and driving root cause resolution across subsystems.
• Plan and support test operations in cleanroom, environmental, and launch site environments.
• Contribute to data management, telemetry visualization, and results analysis to ensure comprehensive verification and documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to streamline test processes, increase automation, and enhance test reliability.
• Support the development of tools, dashboards, and analytics for test performance tracking and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Basic Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or complex electromechanical system test environments.
• Hands-on experience developing or executing functional or system-level test procedures.
• Familiarity with test automation frameworks and scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
• Working knowledge of hardware/software interfaces, data acquisition, and telemetry systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment supporting multiple spacecraft programs.

Desired Experience

• With spacecraft-level testing, including power-on, system checkout, and mission simulation campaigns.
• Familiarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) systems, EGSE design, or simulation environments.
• Experience supporting transition from prototype to production-style test operations.
• Background in test data visualization or analytics (e.g., Power BI, Grafana, or custom dashboards).
• Experience with software development practices, including version control, code review, and basic code readability.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement and process optimization principles applied to test operations.
• Experience with environmental test coordination, launch campaign support, or post-environmental functional testing.

Benefits

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including:

• Generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee education reimbursement.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• Flexible paid time off options.