Flight Software Test Lead - Safety-Critical Avionics

Virgin Galactic; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Specialist Software Test Engineer to verify safety-critical flight software for its avionics systems. The role combines hands-on testing, test‑bench development, and mentoring to elevate testing practices across the team.

You will lead verification efforts, craft advanced automation, and collaborate across engineering disciplines to meet mission-critical timelines. A strong background in embedded systems and Python is essential for success.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Engineering from an accredited university.
• 12+ years of integration and testing experience in aerospace or a comparable field.
• Strong embedded system hardware and software background.
• Advanced Python development skills.
• Experience with requirements-based testing and verification of safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with DO-178/DO-254 or similar certification standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support verification and validation of safety-critical flight software.
• Develop advanced code coverage, regression, and automated testing tools.
• Serve as subject matter expert for software testing methodologies and best practices.
• Review and approve test cases for component- and system-level testing.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems development.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex software and electro-mechanical issues.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive projects to completion and meet mission-critical goals.

Skills

12+ years testing

Embedded systems

Python development

Requirements-based testing

VectorCast

LabVIEW/NI VeriStand

HIL testing

System-level testing

DO-178/DO-254 familiarity

Test automation

Education

B.Sc. in Engineering

Tools

VectorCast

LabVIEW

NI VeriStand

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Specialist Software Test Engineer to verify safety-critical flight software for its avionics systems. The role combines hands-on testing, test‑bench development, and mentoring to elevate testing practices across the team.

You will lead verification efforts, craft advanced automation, and collaborate across engineering disciplines to meet mission-critical timelines. A strong background in embedded systems and Python is essential for success.