Software & Simulation Test Design Engineer

Ispace Inc; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Hybrid Work

Commuter Perks

Lunch Perks

Paid Time Off

Retirement

Stock Options

Learning & Development

Team Culture

Job summary

Ispace Inc is looking for a Software & Simulation Test Design Engineer to lead the development of a test software framework that supports critical lunar exploration missions. This role involves creating testing practices and simulation environments for global engineering teams.

The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of software engineering experience, a strong background in creating scalable test systems, and experience in programming languages like Python, C++, or Java. The position offers benefits like competitive health coverage, hybrid work options, and a fun team culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering experience with focus on test systems.
• Proven track record designing scalable test frameworks.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop a unified test software framework.
• Design reusable abstractions, APIs, and libraries.
• Establish common testing strategies and quality metrics.
• Build and standardize automated test pipelines for CI/CD workflows.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Automated testing

CI/CD systems

Simulation environments

HIL/SIL testing

Control theory

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ROS

LabVIEW

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.

We are seeking a Software & Simulation Test Design Engineer to architect and lead the development of a unified test software framework and simulation that ensures consistency, scalability, and reliability across global engineering teams. This role is central to establishing standardized testing practices, simulation environments, and automation infrastructure that enable high‑confidence validation of mission‑critical systems.

You will define test software across the organization—creating a cohesive ecosystem that spans simulation, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL), integration, and system‑level testing—while enabling teams in different regions to operate efficiently within a shared framework.

Test Framework Architecture

Design and evolve a modular, global test framework supporting unit, integration, system, and simulation‑based testing. Define reusable abstractions, APIs, and libraries for consistent implementation, including fault injection scenarios such as sensor dropouts, thruster misfires, and communication delays.

Simulation & Test Infrastructure

Architect scalable simulation environments and virtual testbeds with seamless HIL/SIL integration, covering orbital mechanics, space environments (vacuum, radiation, thermal), and spacecraft dynamics including attitude control and propulsion.

Global Standardization & Governance

Establish common testing strategies, naming conventions, data formats, and reporting standards across regions. Define quality metrics, coverage standards, and quality gates; lead architecture and test design reviews to enforce best practices.

Automation & CI/CD

Build and standardize automated test pipelines within CI/CD workflows, ensuring tests are reliable, reproducible, and scalable across distributed environments.

Performance & Mission Scenario Testing

Ensure test systems support large‑scale simulations, high data throughput, and long‑duration runs—including thousands of simulated missions across launch windows, environmental variations, and anomaly scenarios. Optimize for speed, determinism, and debuggability.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

Collaborate with global engineering teams to drive adoption of the test framework. Contribute to resource estimation, schedule planning, and risk identification. Embody ispace values—Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability—and stay current on emerging tools and methodologies.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of software engineering experience with significant focus on test systems or infrastructure
• Proventrack recorddesigning scalable test frameworks or platforms
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, Java, or similar
• Experience with automated testing, CI/CD systems, and test orchestration tools
• Solid understanding of software V&V principles
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR requirements for sharing technical data internationally
• Experience with simulation environments (MATLAB/Simulink, ROS, or custom platforms) and HIL/SIL testing
• Background in safety‑critical industries (aerospace, automotive, robotics, or defense)
• Knowledge of distributed systems, cloud‑based test infrastructure, and LabVIEW
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics, control theory, and embedded flight software constraints
• Experience interpreting telemetry and simulation data outputs
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with evolving priorities; willingness to travel (<10%)

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.

Additional Information

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.

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.

All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug‑free workplace.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E‑Verify program.