Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design

ispace, inc.; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 126,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Hybrid Work

Commuter Perks

Paid Time Off

401(k) Plan

Stock Options

Job summary

ispace, inc. is seeking a Manager of Software & Simulation Test Design to lead software teams focused on lunar landers and spacecraft systems. This role requires extensive software engineering experience and strong leadership skills.

Located in Englewood, Colorado, this position drives the development of mission-critical flight software and fosters innovative engineering practices. Candidates should have a deep understanding of aerospace software architectures and real-time embedded systems.

The position offers competitive salary and attractive benefits, promoting a balanced work culture.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering experience in aerospace or high-reliability industries.
• 3+ years of engineering management experience.
• Hands-on experience with HIL and CIL test environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams across software, simulation, and testing.
• Drive development of mission-critical software for lunar landers.
• Mentor engineers and manage agile practices.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux

Embedded Systems

Agile Methodologies

Education

B.S. in Computer Engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

NI LabVIEW

TestStand

Job description

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost‑effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high‑capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem‑solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.

We are seeking an experienced and technically hands‑on Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary software teams developing mission‑critical systems for lunar landers, spacecraft, and satellite platforms. This role oversees the development of flight software (FSW), ground software (GSW), mission operations software, and test software environments supporting spacecraft development, integration, verification, and mission operations.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical leadership with deep systems‑level understanding of aerospace software architectures, mission operations concepts, real‑time embedded systems, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) infrastructure, and closed‑loop integration and test (CIL) environments ensuring consistency, scalability, and reliability across global engineering teams. This individual will drive execution across the full software lifecycle while fostering agile engineering practices, scalable engineering processes, and a high‑performing technical culture.

This is not a role for someone who needs constant direction or is uncomfortable making informed decisions in a fast‑moving environment; it is for a thoughtful, diligent leader who can balance independence with strong team partnership. For the right person, this is a chance to apply both strategic judgment and meticulous execution to work genuinely on the frontier of space development.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to space systems that will have global impact through lunar exploration, satellite communications, and next‑generation space infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams across Flight Software, Ground Software, Mission Operations Software, Automated Test & Verification, and Simulation/Integration.
• Drive architecture, development, integration, and deployment of mission‑critical software for lunar landers, spacecraft, and satellite platforms.
• Develop real‑time HIL and Closed‑Loop Integration (CIL) test environments; maintain automated test, simulation, and regression frameworks.
• Oversee software integration across avionics, sensors, flight computers, comms systems, and mission operations infrastructure using MATLAB/Simulink, NI LabVIEW/VeriStand/TestStand, and Speedgoat systems.
• Establish scalable software architectures, CI/CD pipelines, code review standards, and quality metrics across the organization.
• Champion agile methodologies — sprint planning, backlog management, and incremental delivery.
• Partner with Systems, Avionics, GNC, Hardware, I&T, and Mission Ops teams; support mission readiness, anomaly investigations, and post‑launch operations.
• Mentor engineers, build high‑performing teams, and contribute to resource estimation, risk identification, and schedule planning.
• Embody ispace values: Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of software engineering experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or high‑reliability industries.
• 3+ years of engineering management or technical leadership of multidisciplinary software teams.
• Hands‑on experience with C/C++, Python, Linux, MATLAB/Simulink, and NI LabVIEW/VeriStand/TestStand/Speedgoat.
• Familiarity with RTOS environments (VxWorks, RTEMS), spacecraft protocols (CCSDS, cFS, DDS), or SIL testing.
• Strong background in real‑time embedded systems, distributed architectures, FSW/GSW, telemetry/command, and spacecraft I&T.
• Experience architecting real‑time HIL systems and CIL test environments.
• Proven ability to establish engineering best practices and grow technical talent.
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR requirements for sharing technical data with international parties.

What Makes You Stand Out!

• Experience with lunar, deep‑space, or satellite constellation programs.
• Knowledge of NASA software standards and aerospace development lifecycles.
• Background in safety‑critical industries (aerospace, automotive, defense).
• Experience supporting environmental testing, launch campaigns, or on‑console mission operations.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally (<20%).

$126,000 - $189,000 a year

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company‑paid options available for employees.
• Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in‑office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.
• Commuter Perks: Company‑paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
• Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.
• Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
• Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.
• Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch‑and‑learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.
• Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly engagement events to connect and unwind.

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace 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.