Testbed and Simulation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

ECO Pass transit benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Testbed and Simulation Engineer to join the spacecraft test team for a deep space mission launching in early 2028. The role focuses on building and maintaining software and hardware-in-the-loop simulators for flight software validation.

You will develop behavioral models in C++, orchestrate with Python, and deploy simulations against EGSE hardware in the lab. The work spans CI/CD pipelines and containerized environments, with a strong hands-on lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a physical science or engineering field.
• 3+ years of relevant work experience is expected.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and Linux is required.
• Experience with testbed/simulation development and hands-on lab work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and designs simulation needs with subsystem leads.
• Create and maintain behavioral hardware models for spacecraft simulators.
• Build SIL and HIL environments and support them in lab.
• Verify and validate simulation products with V&V tests.
• Integrate simulations with command/telemetry and test data systems.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Bash scripting

Linux

HIL modeling

Multithreading

IPC frameworks

ZMQ

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical science or engineering

Tools

Docker

Podman

CI/CD

Job description

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

You will develop behavioral hardware models and build the software-only and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments that the flight software, command and data handling, fault protection, assembly/integration and test (AIT), and mission operations teams rely 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, the behavioral models themselves, and the infrastructure and pipelines that deliver them. You will write C++ models and Python orchestration at your desk, then deploy and test against EGSE hardware in the lab.

This is an opportunity for the prospective new hire to learn about spacecraft systems, test environments, and simulation environments. We are looking for someone with the core skillset necessary to contribute to development and maintenance of testbeds and simulations. Emphasis is on software experience, hardware experience, passion for hands‑on laboratory assignments, and an excitement to continue learning new things.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable 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 to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space‑weather monitoring, and the 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, and students 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 of expertise 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 technical and 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 a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• 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.

What You Should Know

• Programs will require compliance with export control restrictions, including EAR and ITAR.
• Onsite presence is required because of the hands‑on laboratory work 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 are committed 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; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs 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 a related field.
• 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Years of experience will be assessed against the needs of the job. Years of experience will also be used to determine job level and salary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi‑task and handle competing priorities.
• Due to requirements governing access to export‑controlled data and 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 work done).
• Ability to develop multi‑threaded applications.
• Solid grasp of inter‑process communication and message‑passing frameworks (e.g., ZMQ, RabbitMQ).
• Engineering fundamentals sufficient to reason about and model spacecraft subsystem behavior.
• Laboratory skills: using lab equipment (ADCs, DACs, oscilloscopes, etc.), deploying software on lab hardware, and working in lab or cleanroom environments with ESD‑sensitive hardware.
• Electronics: measurement techniques, Ohm's law, reading schematics.
• Familiarity with containerization tooling (Docker, Podman).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for delivering simulator artifacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication.