Software Test Engineer — Safety-Critical Flight Systems

Virgin Galactic; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Specialist Software Test Engineer to join our Avionics organization and verify safety-critical flight software for our human spaceflight systems. This hands-on role shapes test strategy, tools, and processes while mentoring others and championing best practices across the team.

The position requires a strong embedded systems background and advanced Python skills, with experience in VectorCast, DO-178/254, and safety-critical testing.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Engineering from an accredited university with 12+ years in aerospace testing.
• Strong background in embedded system hardware and software.
• Advanced Python development skills.
• Experience with requirements-based testing of safety-critical systems.
• Hands-on experience with VectorCast or equivalent unit test frameworks.
• Familiar with DO-178/DO-254 and safety-critical standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead verification and validation of safety-critical flight software.
• Develop advanced code coverage, regression, and automated testing tools.
• Review and approve test cases for bench environments.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop test systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex software and electro-mechanical issues.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive projects to completion.

Skills

Embedded systems

Python

Requirements testing

HIL testing

Test infrastructure

Mentoring

Automation

Appreciates DO-178/DO-254

Team collaboration

Education

B.Sc. in Engineering

Tools

VectorCast

LabVIEW

NI VeriStand

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Specialist Software Test Engineer to join our Avionics organization and verify safety-critical flight software for our human spaceflight systems. This hands-on role shapes test strategy, tools, and processes while mentoring others and championing best practices across the team.

The position requires a strong embedded systems background and advanced Python skills, with experience in VectorCast, DO-178/254, and safety-critical testing.