Avionics Test Engineer (Digital/Optical)

Impulsespace; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental

401(k) plan

Job summary

Impulse Space is seeking an Avionics Test Engineer (Digital/Optical) in Redondo Beach to lead automated testing of optical devices and FPGA-based systems. You will develop Python and MATLAB scripts, configure FPGA evaluation boards, and collaborate across hardware, FPGA, and software teams.

The role requires a 3+ year background in Digital/Optical testing, strong lab instrumentation skills, and a degree in Electrical or Optical Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of Digital/Optical Test experience.
• Hands-on with optical devices or optical communication systems.
• Familiarity with FPGA evaluation boards and basic FPGA architecture.
• Proficient in Python for test automation and data processing.
• Experience with MATLAB for analysis and automated test workflows.
• Strong lab instrumentation knowledge (oscilloscopes, power meters, analyzers).
• Excellent documentation and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform integration and functional testing of optical communication or sensing devices.
• Set up, configure, and operate FPGA evaluation boards for system-level testing.
• Develop automated test scripts in Python and MATLAB for data acquisition and regression testing.
• Execute hardware bring-up, debug interfaces, and validate subsystem interoperability.
• Document test plans, procedures, and results with clarity and precision.
• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, systems, and software teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Analyze measurement data, identify failure modes, and propose corrective actions.
• Support lab infrastructure including optical benches, instrumentation, and fixtures.

Skills

Python scripting

MATLAB

FPGA evaluation boards

Optical devices

Test automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Optical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Optical power meters

Logic analyzers

Vivado

Quartus

Job description

Avionics Test Engineer (Digital/Optical)

Department: Avionics

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Reporting To: Farbod Kagar, Manager, Optical Communications

Compensation: $115,000 - $130,000 / year

Description

We are seeking a highly capable Digital/Optical Test Engineer with hands-on experience working with optical devices, FPGA evaluation platforms, and automation scripting environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical troubleshooting skills, familiarity with hardware/software integration workflows, and the ability to develop automated test procedures using Python and MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Perform integration and functional testing of optical communication or sensing devices
• Set up, configure, and operate FPGA evaluation boards for system-level testing
• Develop automated test scripts in Python and MATLAB for data acquisition, regression testing, and results analysis
• Execute hardware bring-up, debug signal interfaces, and validate subsystem interoperability
• Document test plans, test procedures, and test results with clarity and precision
• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, systems, and software teams to ensure seamless integration across components
• Analyze measurement data, identify failure modes, and recommend corrective actions
• Support lab infrastructure including optical benches, instrumentation, and test fixtures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in the Digital/Optical Test field
• Hands-on experience working with optical devices or optical communication systems
• Familiarity with FPGA evaluation boards and basic FPGA system architecture
• Proficiency in Python scripting for test automation and data processing
• Experience using MATLAB for analysis, modeling, or automated test workflows
• Strong understanding of lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, optical power meters, logic analyzers, etc.)
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues effectively
• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of experience with optical transceivers, modulators, detectors, or related photonics hardware
• Knowledge of FPGA toolchains (Vivado, Quartus) or embedded systems verification
• Background in signal processing or testing signal-processing systems
• Familiarity with version control systems and test automation frameworks
• Experience in a startup or fast paced agile development environment

Additional Information:

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.