Test Software Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off

Education Reimbursement

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital seeks a Test Software Engineer to develop and support test software for space vehicles, from sub-system to system levels. You will build automated tests, Python tools, and LabVIEW-based solutions, collaborating with engineers to define requirements and ensure robust CI/CD workflows.

The role requires 2+ years of Python scripting, LabVIEW/TestStand expertise, and DoD clearance readiness, with on-site work in Irvine, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of Python scripting experience.
• Hands-on test automation software development with LabVIEW.
• Experience with NI TestStand for automated sequencing, execution, and data logging.
• Proficiency in Linux and shell scripting.
• Experience building test software for complex systems (spacecraft/vehicles).
• Experience with SITL/HITL testing in aerospace or embedded domains.
• Familiarity with Agile tools (Jira, JAMA, GitHub).
• Ability to work under high-pressure test environments.
• U.S. citizenship with DoD security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement automated testing in the software lifecycle.
• Create and maintain automated tests for spacecraft subsystems (functional to stress testing).
• Develop Python libraries to promote modularity in the test automation ecosystem.
• Derive test requirements for under-defined systems with engineers.
• Generate software test requirements and manage with tools.
• Develop and maintain Python scripts to optimize workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
• Ensure testing infrastructure is robust, scalable for rapid development cycles.
• Assist debugging on-site and remotely during off-hours as needed.
• Develop and maintain LabVIEW/TestStand-based test sequences for verification.
• Integrate LabVIEW/TestStand with hardware interfaces, DAQ, and instrumentation.
• Create and manage TestStand sequences, modules, interfaces, and reporting.

Skills

Python scripting

LabVIEW

TestStand

Linux

CI/CD

Jira/GitHub

Embedded systems

SITL/HITL testing

Communication

DoD clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE

Tools

NI LabVIEW

NI TestStand

Python

Git/JIRA

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Test Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Manager, Systems Integration & Test Engineering the Test Software Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team to create test software products required to build, integrate, and test space vehicles at both the sub-system and system levels. The Test Software Engineer will develop, execute, and support a comprehensive set of test software applications and tools. The role includes configuration management for all associated applications and tools, regular communication of progress and issues to leadership, and development, integration, and maintenance of test solutions using LabVIEW and NI TestStand to support automated test execution, hardware interfacing, and data management across spacecraft test environments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automated testing best practices into the software development lifecycle
• Create and maintain automated tests for spacecraft subsystems from functional through performance and stress testing
• Create and maintain Python libraries and packages to promote modularity and code reuse within the test automation ecosystem
• Work with responsible engineers to derive test requirements for under-defined systems
• Generate software test requirements and use requirement management tools
• Develop and maintain software tools and scripts (primarily Python, with Bash as needed) to optimize workflows, data analysis, and CI/CD pipelines
• Ensure the testing infrastructure is robust, scalable, and able to support rapid development cycles
• Support debugging and troubleshooting on-site and remotely during off-hours as needed
• Develop, deploy, and maintain automated test sequences using NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand for spacecraft subsystem and system-level verification
• Integrate LabVIEW/TestStand-based applications with hardware interfaces, instrumentation, and DAQ systems
• Create and manage TestStand sequence files, step modules, operator interfaces, and reporting configurations

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience with Python scripting
• Hands-on experience developing test automation software and instrument control applications in NI LabVIEW
• Experience using NI TestStand for automated sequencing, execution, and data logging
• Proficiency in Linux (Ubuntu, RHEL, etc.), shell scripting, and command-line workflows
• Experience developing test software, scripts, and tools for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, or autonomous vehicles
• Experience building automated SITL and HITL tests for robotics, aerospace, or embedded systems
• Experience with Agile methodologies and issue-tracking tools (e.g., Jira, JAMA, GitHub)
• Experience working in hardware-driven, high‑pressure test and production environments
• Ability to navigate complex system architectures and established codebases
• Strong communication skills for presenting technical findings to diverse audiences
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Proficiency with SDLC best practices, version control (e.g., Git), embedded systems, and object‑oriented programming
• Experience packaging and deploying Python applications
• Documentation and configuration management experience
• Familiarity with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters
• Experience creating custom LabVIEW libraries, drivers, or frameworks for test automation
• Experience integrating LabVIEW/TestStand systems with broader CI/CD pipelines or mixed‑language environments

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$105,000 - $140,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .