Embedded Software Test Engineer

Array Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Array Labs in San Francisco seeks a Software Test Engineer to validate complex radar payloads through automated test frameworks and firmware development. This hands-on role bridges hardware and software, ensuring systems function in extreme conditions.

Candidates should have at least 5 years’ experience in test engineering and strong skills in C/C++ and Python. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, alongside flexible salary and equity options to create meaningful ownership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded software development, or hardware validation.
• Familiarity with standard communication protocols like SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated test frameworks in Python.
• Write firmware in C/C++ to stimulate hardware interfaces.
• Develop Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test setups.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Python for test automation

Experience with lab equipment

Troubleshooting hardware issues

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum Analyzers

Signal Generators

Job description

Array Labs builds advanced radar systems to help humanity understand and respond to changes across the physical world.

We\'re launching a coordinated fleet of radar satellites to create a high-resolution 3D map of the Earth, updated in real time, enabling faster, smarter decision-making for government and commercial organizations supporting disaster response, infrastructure resilience, and mission-critical geopolitical intelligence.

We design and build our satellites end-to-end, producing the world\'s most advanced earth observation satellites. Our fleet will deliver unprecedented levels of accuracy, coverage, and responsiveness to power critical insights precisely where they\'re needed most.

The Role

We are looking for a Software Test Engineer to own the validation of our complex radar payload. In this role, you will bridge the gap between hardware and software, writing the code that proves our system works. You will develop specialized firmware to exercise our FPGAs, RF front-ends, and antenna arrays, while simultaneously building high-level Python automation to orchestrate test campaigns. You will work in a hands-on lab environment, pushing our hardware to its limits to ensure it survives and performs in the extreme conditions of space.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated test frameworks in Python to characterize the performance of radar, RF, and antenna subsystems
• Write firmware in C/C++ to stimulate hardware interfaces, inject test patterns into FPGAs, and control RF transceivers during validation
• Develop Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test setups that integrate flight software, ground station commands, and simulated environmental data
• Automate the control of laboratory test equipment (Signal Generators, Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Oscilloscopes) to capture and analyze system performance data
• Collaborate with FPGA and RF engineers to define test requirements and debug complex hardware-software integration issues
• Analyze test data to identify trends, performance regressions, and potential hardware failures before they reach orbit
• Maintain and upgrade continuous integration (CI) pipelines that run automated tests on physical hardware targets

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded software development, or hardware validation
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets (writing test firmware, drivers, or diagnostic tools)
• Expertise in Python for test automation, data analysis, and instrument control (e.g., PyVISA, NumPy, Pandas)
• Familiarity with standard communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and PCIe
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (Oscilloscopes, VNAs, Spectrum Analyzers) and debugging hardware down to the component level
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master\'s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with radar systems, phased array antennas, or satellite communications
• Experience with Xilinx Zynq/MPSoC platforms and Petalinux/Yocto build systems
• Familiarity with continuous integration tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI) applied to hardware testing
• Background in developing automated drivers for test equipment (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu)

Our hiring and compensation strategy is simple: find uncommonly good people and pay them uncommonly well.

We offer high flexibility between salary and equity-based compensation. Final candidates can choose from three compensation mixes: low, medium, or high equity. Equity is a significant component of total compensation, and we aim to provide meaningful ownership for this role.

Full-time employees also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, a 401(k) with company match, commuter benefits, and more.

Interview Process

We will conduct interviews via Google Meet with the potential for an onsite visit; the typical process takes around 3-5 weeks to complete from start to finish.

Why Join Array

At Array Labs, deep technical expertise meets relentless impact. We prioritize curiosity over hierarchy and bold engineering over incremental gains. Our world-class team across hardware engineering, software, and aerospace works collaboratively to push boundaries and move fast.

Our values:

• Build What Matters: Create technology that serves customers and advances humanity
• Innovate Together: Stay curious, collaborate openly, push boundaries as one team
• Employee Centric: Put our people first with a culture of trust, respect, and opportunity
• Join industry-leading experts to deliver unprecedented insights about our planet and build the future of Earth observation

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Array Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of merit, competence, and job qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by gender, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.