Specialist Engineer, Software Test

Socket.dev; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic seeks a Specialist Software Test Engineer for its Avionics team to verify safety-critical flight software and develop testing tools. The role emphasizes embedded hardware/software experience, robust testing expertise, and strong communication in a fast-paced aerospace context.

The successful candidate will mentor junior engineers, contribute to HIL test equipment development, and ensure rigorous code coverage and regression testing across system and unit levels.

Qualifications

• Must have a B.Sc. Engineering degree from an accredited university with minimum 12 years relevant integration and testing experience in aerospace or similar field.
• Experience with embedded system hardware and software.
• Experience with tests for safety-critical flight software.
• Strong troubleshooting and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the verification of safety-critical flight software.
• Develop code coverage and testing tools.
• Develop test cases for system and unit testing.
• Develop and maintain regression testing tools.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop test equipment development.
• Troubleshoot test failures.
• Collaborate to achieve goals and complete tasks.

Skills

Python development

Embedded system testing

Requirements-based testing

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team mentorship

Education

B.Sc. Engineering

Tools

VectorCAST

LabVIEW

NI VeriStand

DO-254/DO-178

Job description

We are seeking a Specialist Software Test Engineer to join our Avionics team. We are looking for a specialist who will contribute to several roles in a fast-paced environment. Guided by our values, “Safety Above All”, we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.

Responsibilities

• Support the verification of safety-critical flight software.
• Develop code coverage and testing tools.
• Develop test cases for system and unit level testing.
• Develop and maintain regression testing tools.
• Provide mentorship to more junior members of the team.
• Provide support to the development of hardware-in-the-loop test equipment
• Troubleshoot test failures
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assignedtasks

Required Skills and Experience

• Must have a B.Sc. Engineering degree from an accredited university with minimum 12 years relevant integration and testing experience in aerospace or similar field, ideally working with complex electro-mechanical systems in aerospace or a related field.
• Experience with embedded system hardware and software
• Experienced Python development skills
• Experience with requirements-based software testing.
• Experience with Vectorcast or similar unit testing tools.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and written communication skills
• Ability to troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems
• Experience with component and system-level testing
• Experience developing test benches
• Experience documenting wiring schematics
• Experience with Labview and NI Veristand a plus
• Development and validation of redundant systems for safety critical applications
• Aircraft systems development per DO-254 and DO-178
• Digital communication protocols such as RS232, RS422, RS485, Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553 and CAN
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
• Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

#LI-AB1

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is$136,063.00–$207,596.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles.

Export Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement

Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Drug Free Workplace

Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.

Phoenix Employment Requirements

For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.