Testbed and Simulation Engineer

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

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics seeks a Testbed and Simulation Engineer to join the spacecraft test team for a deep-space mission launching in 2028. You will develop behavioral hardware models and build SIL/HIL environments that validate flight software, command and data handling, fault protection, and mission operations teams.

You will write C++ models and Python orchestration, deploy to lab EGSE hardware, and contribute to the full simulator stack

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a physical science, engineering, or a related field.
• ≥ 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop behavioral hardware models for spacecraft subsystems.
• Build and maintain SIL and HIL simulator environments.
• Write and deploy C++ models and Python orchestration.
• Integrate simulation environments with command, telemetry, and test data systems.
• Deploy, configure, and test embedded/EGSE systems.
• Maintain containerized simulator environments and CI/CD pipelines.
• Coordinate a small team of engineers to achieve goals.

Skills

C/C++ development

Python scripting

Linux proficiency

Multi-threaded programming

Inter-process communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a physical science or engineering

Tools

Docker

Podman

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 an excitement to continue learning new things.

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

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 measurements of 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 generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, andstudents that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel 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 the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technicaland scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee 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 our employees. 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 Boulder offers 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 Coloradoand #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.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifyinginformation such as age, date of birth, or dates of schoolattendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redactingor removing this information.