Systems Verification & Validation Engineer

ThinKom Solutions, Inc.; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability

Life

401k Matching

PTO

Holidays

Bonus Plan

Job summary

ThinKom Solutions, Inc. in Hawthorne, CA is seeking an IVV engineer focused on expanding our anomaly investigation and test automation capabilities.

You will analyze telemetry from airborne and ground deployments, develop automated testing frameworks in Python, and collaborate across software, RF, and field engineering teams to scale regression coverage. The role requires strong Python, Linux, and data-analysis skills, plus experience with lab hardware such as spectrum analyzers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field is required.
• Strong Python scripting, Linux CLI, Bash, and networking knowledge.
• Hands-on hardware/test automation experience with lab equipment is expected.
• Experience inspecting raw telemetry and performing data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Parse and analyze raw operational logs and time-series telemetry to investigate field anomalies across airborne and ground systems.
• Develop and maintain modular automated test scripts and frameworks in Python (e.g., PyTest) to scale regression coverage.
• Apply RF fundamentals and control systems knowledge to assist in test execution and data analysis.
• Execute Hardware-in-the-Loop testing using lab equipment like spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Verify system and software behavior against ICDs and CONOPS.
• Diagnose network and bus issues across embedded Linux controllers and VLANs using tools like Wireshark.
• Build automated data-processing and visualization scripts to turn telemetry into actionable findings.
• Collaborate with Software, RF, Controls, and Field Engineering teams to present findings at technical reviews.

Skills

Python scripting

Linux

Bash scripting

TCP/IP networking

Data analysis

Signal processing basics

Documentation & reporting

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer / Electrical / Aerospace Engineering, CS, or related

Tools

PyTest

NumPy

Pandas

Matplotlib

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

GitLab CI/CD

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal generators

Logic analyzers

Job description

Build the Future of High-Performance Connectivity

At ThinKom, we don’t just build antennas - we design high-performance, next-generation mechanical systems that connect the world across air, land, sea, and space. From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our technology operates in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

Position Summary

ThinKom's Systems Integration, Verification, and Validation (IVV) team supports critical technology sectors across our product portfolio, spanning Commercial In-Flight Connectivity (IFC), next-generation multi-beam Ground Stations and Gateway Arrays, land-mobile terminals, and special-mission aero platforms.

This position focuses specifically on expanding our Operational Anomaly Investigation and Test Automation capabilities. You will analyze raw operational telemetry from airborne and ground deployments to investigate complex connectivity anomalies, while developing automated testing frameworks to scale regression test coverage across ThinKom’s product lines.

What You'll Do

• Operational Anomaly Investigations: Parse and analyze raw operational logs and time-series telemetry to investigate field anomalies, isolate root causes for platform issues across airborne and ground systems.
• Automated Test Frameworks: Develop and maintain modular automated test scripts and frameworks in Python (e.g., PyTest) to scale System Test Procedure (STP) regression coverage.
• RF & Controls Applications: Apply working knowledge of RF fundamentals (frequency translation, signal down conversion, power levels, link budgets) and control systems (pointing geometry, closed-loop tracking, motion sensors) to assist in test execution, data analysis, and anomaly investigations.
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration testing using laboratory equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and antenna positioners/gimbals.
• Requirements & ICD Verification: Verify system and software behavior against Software Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
• Embedded Bus & Network Diagnostics: Diagnose network and bus communication anomalies across embedded Linux controllers, VLANs, serial links, and 3rd-party line-replaceable units (modems, ModMans) using tools like Wireshark.
• Telemetry & Data Tooling: Build automated data-processing and visualization scripts to turn complex test and operational telemetry into clear, actionable findings.
• Cross-Functional Debugging: Collaborate with Software, RF, Controls, and Field Engineering teams to isolate systemic defects and present empirical investigation findings during technical reviews.

Must-Haves

WHAT YOU BRING

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Software & Systems: Solid proficiency in Python for scripting, data analysis, and test automation. Practical experience in Linux command-line environments, shell scripting (Bash), and core networking concepts (TCP/IP, VLANs, socket communication).
• Hardware & Test Automation: Hands-on background building, testing, or debugging physical hardware/software in a collaborative team setting. Practical experience configuring and operating laboratory test equipment (e.g., digital spectrum analyzers, high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, RF vector signal generators, or logic analyzers).
• Data & Signal Analysis: Proven ability to inspect raw, noisy sensor plots, isolate true signals from anomalies, and deconstruct unfamiliar physical and mathematical problems from first principles.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient with core business software applications (MS Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Security & Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) due to U.S. Government contract requirements, and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance.
• Professional Temperament & Soft Skills: High energy, creative problem-solving mindset, strong work ethic, and high emotional intelligence. Ability to collaborate constructively across teams and represent ThinKom with uncompromised integrity.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional written, verbal, and formal presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional internal team members, as well as external suppliers and customers. Ability to present technical information clearly in team meetings and formal design reviews.

Nice-to-Haves (Preferred)

• Experience with Python testing frameworks and data/visualization libraries (e.g., PyTest, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib).
• Hands-on experience building, maintaining, or integrating automated test suites within continuous integration pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions).
• Exposure to satellite communication architectures, RF frequency translation (mixers, LNBs, local oscillators), antenna gain budgets, or link budget analysis.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Travel & Hours: Requires willingness and ability to travel up to 5% of the time. Subject to irregular and/or extended work hours, as well as shifting priorities in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment.
• Physical Requirements: Frequently sitting, using a computer terminal, and communicating across internal teams and external customers. Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, reach, bend, and lift, push, or pull up to 40 lbs.
• Work Environment: Primarily standard office and business environments, with occasional presence in facilities subject to loud noises and regulated hazardous materials or chemicals.

WHY JOIN THINKOM?

At ThinKom, you'll work on innovative technologies that connect people around the world. Our engineers are empowered to solve meaningful technical challenges, collaborate with industry experts, and contribute to products that make a real impact. We value innovation, teamwork, technical excellence, and continuous learning while providing an environment where engineers can grow their careers and influence the future of advanced communications technology.

Salary Range - $75,000 - $110,000

ThinKom offer generous benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, 401k Matching (4%), PTO, paid Holidays and Bonus Plan

ThinKom Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

ThinKom Solutions is a Drug and Alcohol free working environment with a zero-tolerance policy