Hardware Test Engineer

Eclipse Space; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Eclipse Space in Seattle is seeking a Hardware Test Engineer (Mid to Principal) to design, build, and automate test systems that verify flight hardware across development, qualification, and production stages.

The role is hands-on in the lab, requiring end-to-end ownership of test infrastructure, from ground support equipment to automation scripts in Python, with opportunities to influence testing standards and establish scalable test solutions.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related STEM field.
• 3+ years of experience in hardware test, systems integration, or test automation (mid); 8+ years (principal).
• Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, DMMs, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power supplies, signal generators, electronic loads.
• Proficiency with Python for test automation and instrument control.
• Experience designing or integrating electrical test systems, racks, or ground support equipment.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and build test racks, bench-top platforms, and automated test equipment to support hardware development, qualification, and production.
• Design and produce test assets including electrical panels, harnessing, fixtures, PCBAs, and ground support equipment.
• Select COTS instrumentation and/or design custom hardware to apply flight-like loads, measure signals, and power units under test.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, harnessing diagrams, and integration documentation.
• Lead test architecture decisions, drive standards, and own technical roadmap for test infrastructure.

Skills

Python for test automation

Test system integration

Electrical fundamentals

Lab instrumentation proficiency

Electrical schematics & wiring

Root cause analysis

RF test basics

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related STEM field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

DMMs

Power supplies

Signal generators

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

Hardware Test Engineer (Mid to Principal)

We are looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to design, build, and automate test systems that verify and validate our flight hardware. This role spans the full test lifecycle — from early development benchtop setups through qualification campaigns and production — and sits at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, RF, and software engineering.

You will own test infrastructure end-to-end: defining requirements, designing ground support and test equipment (EGSE/MGSE), writing and executing test procedures, and driving automation to scale with our hardware cadence.

This is a hands-on role. You will be in the lab regularly, and your work will directly determine what goes to flight.

Responsibilities

Test System Design & Development

• Architect, design, and build test racks, bench-top platforms, and automated test equipment to support hardware development, qualification, and production
• Design and produce test assets including electrical panels, harnessing, fixtures, PCBAs, and ground support equipment
• Select COTS instrumentation and/or design custom hardware to apply flight-like loads, measure signals, and power units under test
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, harnessing diagrams, and integration documentation
• Lead test architecture decisions, drive standards, and own technical roadmap for test infrastructure

Test Execution & Verification

• Write, review, and execute test procedures and verification plans across development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns
• Support environmental testing including thermal/vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and HALT/HASS
• Troubleshoot hardware anomalies, lead root cause investigations, and develop corrective action plans

Automation & Software

• Develop Python-based test scripts to automate data collection, instrument control (SCPI/VISA), and test reporting
• Integrate test systems with telemetry pipelines and production documentation tools
• Design intuitive operator interfaces that make complex test equipment accessible and auditable

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related STEM field
• 3+ years of experience in hardware test, systems integration, or test automation (mid); 8+ years (principal)
• Hands‑on experience with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, DMMs, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power supplies, signal generators, electronic loads
• Proficiency with Python for test automation and instrument control
• Experience designing or integrating electrical test systems, racks, or ground support equipment
• Strong understanding of electrical fundamentals, signal integrity, and measurement uncertainty

Nice to Have

• Experience with RF test and characterization (VNAs, VSAs, signal chains, antenna range testing)
• Familiarity with space hardware test standards (GEVS, SMC‑S‑016, MIL‑STD‑1540, DO‑160)
• Experience with mixed‑signal test system (Power + High‑speed digital + RF) test infrastructure.
• Experience with Medium Voltage systems, high energy storage systems, and low‑voltage/high‑current interfaces.
• Experience with PLC programming (TwinCAT, Allen‑Bradley, or similar)
• Knowledge of digital/analog interfaces: CAN bus, SPI, I2C, RS‑422, UART, TCP/IP
• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom DAQ solutions
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (Jama, DOORS) and documentation platforms (Jira, Confluence)
• Experience supporting transition from development test to production‑scale acceptance testing
• Background in TVAC, vibration, or other environmental qualification campaigns

Salary

$140k - $200k