Software Test Lead

Sky Mavis; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off: Three weeks vacation

Up to 4% employer match on 401(k)

Job summary

Lunar Outpost is seeking a Software Test Lead to guide rigorous testing processes for space robotics and planetary vehicles. This role demands strong leadership, managing test activities and promoting quality-focused development across teams.

With a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or Aerospace Engineering and over 5 years of testing experience, the ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic startup environment. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software testing, with 2 years in leadership or senior test engineering role.
• Experience testing embedded or real‑time software in robotics or safety‑critical environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of test processes and plans.
• Manage test processes and collaborate with development teams.
• Support future hiring and mentorship of a growing test engineering team.

Skills

Software testing

Test automation frameworks

Embedded software

Scripting languages

Systems engineering principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

HIL systems

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. Currently, we are seeking a Software Test Lead to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment.

The main responsibilities of a Software Test Lead include leading the design and execution of test processes and plans to ensure they meet rigorous performance, safety, and compliance requirements. This role is responsible for guiding verification activities in accordance with aerospace standards, managing test processes, and collaborating with development teams to validate embedded and mission‑critical systems. The Software Test Lead ensures all test efforts contribute to the overall system safety and reliability goals of Lunar Outpost.

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement the software test strategy for embedded, flight, and ground systems supporting space robotic missions
• Develop test plans, procedures, and documentation to support verification and validation efforts aligned with space‑grade software practices
• Build out initial test environments including simulation, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL), and continuous integration systems
• Collaborate closely with software, systems, and hardware teams to ensure traceability from requirements and standards to test coverage
• Contribute to risk assessments and support fault injection, failure mode testing, and resilience validation
• Evaluate and introduce automation frameworks and tooling suited to the space robotics domain
• Promote a culture of testing excellence and quality‑focused development in a fast‑paced, agile environment
• Support future hiring, mentorship, and leadership of a growing test engineering team
• Coordinate with other Integrated Product Teams during design to ensure testability of design
• Generate and maintain Verification and Validation Matrices
• Facilitate and organize software product certification
• Coordinate with System Level Integration & Test Teams
• Coordinate and interact with customers

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in software testing, with 2 years in leadership or senior test engineering role
• Experience testing embedded or real‑time software in robotics, space systems, or safety‑critical environments
• Familiarity with verification frameworks for high‑reliability software
• Proficiency with test tools, automation frameworks, and scripting languages
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle and systems engineering principles
• Self‑motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
• Excellent organization and time‑management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with robotic systems, spacecraft avionics, or autonomous controls
• Experience with HIL systems, simulators, and testbeds used in spaceflight software development
• Exposure to configuration management, CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with space mission development phases and associated documentation standards
• Experience with testing in a cloud‑based environment
• Experience with the cFS and VxWorks Operating Systems

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company‑recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.