Testbed and Simulation Engineer

University of Colorado System; Allenspark (CO); On-site; USD 99,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder LASP is seeking a Testbed and Simulation Engineer to join the spacecraft test team for a deep space mission launching in early 2028. You will develop behavioral hardware models and build software-only and hardware-in-the-loop test environments relied upon by flight software, C&DH, fault protection, AIT, and mission operations teams to validate spacecraft behavior.

This hands-on role spans the full simulator stack, from embedded and EGSE driver work to the models

Qualifications

• C and C++ development proficiency.
• Python and bash scripting proficiency.
• Fluency in Linux as a primary working environment.
• Ability to design hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) models.
• Comfort taking responsibility for the systems you deploy.
• Ability to develop multi-threaded applications.
• Solid grasp of inter-process communication and message-passing frameworks.
• Engineering fundamentals sufficient to reason about and model spacecraft subsystem behavior.
• Laboratory skills: using lab equipment and deploying software on lab hardware.
• Electronics: measurement techniques, Ohm’s law, readingschematics.
• Familiarity with containerization tooling (Docker, Podman).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for delivering simulator artifacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Work with subsystem leads and system engineers to develop simulation needs and designs.
• Develop and maintain behavioral hardware models for spacecraft subsystem simulators.
• Build and support software-only (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator environments.
• Implement, verify, and validate simulation products, including test procedures for requirement V&V and unit/integration tests.
• Integrate simulation environments with command-and-telemetry and test data systems
• Deploy, configure, and test embedded/EGSE systems.
• Build and maintain containerized simulator environments, delivering artifacts through CI/CD pipelines.
• Support functional, performance, and mission-scenario testing for partner teams.
• Coordinate a small team of engineers to achieve common goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

C/C++ development

Python scripting

Linux fluency

HIL model design

CI/CD pipelines

Docker/Podman

Multi-threaded apps

IPC/messaging

Lab hardware deployment

Electronics basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical science or engineering

Tools

SIL/HIL toolchains

EGSE equipment

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a Testbed and Simulation Engineer to join thespacecraft test team for a deep space mission that will tour theinner solar system and explore the main asteroid belt between Marsand Jupiter. Launch is expected in early 2028.

You will develop behavioral hardware models and build thesoftware-only and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments thatthe flight software, command and data handling, fault protection,assembly/integration and test (AIT), and mission operations teamsrely on to validate spacecraft behavior.

This is a hands-on role that spans the full simulator stack:embedded and Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) driver work, thebehavioral models themselves, and the infrastructure and pipelinesthat deliver them.

You will write C++ models and Pythonorchestration at your desk, then deploy and test against EGSEhardware in the lab.

This is an opportunity for the prospective new hire to learn aboutspacecraft systems, test environments, and simulation environments.We are looking for someone with the core skillset necessary tocontribute to development and maintenance of testbeds andsimulations. Emphasis is on software experience, hardwareexperience, passion for hands-on laboratory assignments, and a nexcitement to continue learning new things.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric andSpace Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder isrevolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeplycommitted to inspiring and educating the next generation of spaceexplorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurementsof Earth’s upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of everyplanet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar,planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, andthe search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generationthrough research, innovation, and education in space sciences. Weemploy over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, andstudents that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explorenovel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism ofexpertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations.Through research projects, LASP participates actively in thetraining of the future leaders of space research and helps theUniversity of Colorado to educate students with valued technicaland scientific skills. Development and use of innovativetechnologies and continuing participation in new researchinitiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into thefuture. LASP is proud of our work environment that supportsemployee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for abroad range of experiences.

Further information about LASP can befound here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Work with subsystem leads and system engineers to developsimulation needs and designs.
• Develop and maintain behavioral hardware models for spacecraftsubsystem simulators.
• Build and support software-only (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop(HIL) simulator environments.
• Implement, verify, and validate simulation products, includingtest procedures for requirement V&V and unit/integrationtests.
• Integrate simulation environments with command-and-telemetryand test data systems
• Deploy, configure, and test embedded/EGSE systems.
• Build and maintain containerized simulator environments,delivering artifacts through CI/CD pipelines.
• Support functional, performance, and mission-scenario testingfor partner teams.
• Coordinate a small team of engineers to achieve commongoals.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Programs will require compliance with export controlrestrictions, including EAR and ITAR.
• Onsite presence is required because of the hands-on laboratorywork necessary.

What We Can Offer

• The annual salary range for this position is $99,000 -$156,700.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's BestLarge Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in a physical science, engineering, or arelated field.
• ≥ 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Years of experience will be assessed against the needs of thejob. Years of experience will also be used to determine job leveland salary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and handle competing priorities.
• Due to requirements governing access to export-controlled dataand information, only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents(green card holders) may apply.

What You Will Need

• C and C++ development proficiency.
• Python and bash scripting proficiency.
• Fluency in Linux as a primary working environment.
• Ability to design hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) models.
• Comfort taking responsibility for the systems you deploy(standing them up and configuring them sensibly to get workdone).
• Ability to develop multi-threaded applications.
• Solid grasp of inter-process communication and message-passingframeworks (e.g., ZMQ, RabbitMQ).
• Engineering fundamentals sufficient to reason about and modelspacecraft subsystem behavior.
• Laboratory skills: using lab equipment (ADCs, DACs,oscilloscopes,etc.), deploying software on lab hardware, andworking in lab or cleanroom environments with ESD-sensitivehardware.
• Electronics: measurement techniques, Ohm’s law, readingschematics.
• Familiarity with containerization tooling (Docker,Podman).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for delivering simulatorartifacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication.