Astra

Sr HIL Engineer/Test & Automation Engineer

Alameda, CA · Senior · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$140k-$180kDetected 16 days ago

PythonFull-Stack DevelopmentAlgorithmsSQLGrafanaData EngineeringCybersecurityCadenceAvionicsEMI/EMCMIL-STDPLCControlsSimulinkTest Automation

About the role

This role sits at the intersection of instrumentation and control, automation software, and systems test.
One of the near-term workstreams for this role is the Launch System Simulator (LSS), a hardware-in-the-loop environment that runs the full avionics stack, flight software, and GNC algorithms against real-time plant models.
You will be in the lab, on the test stand, at the facility.

The Opportunity Astra is building Rocket 4, a high-cadence small-satellite launch vehicle.
The Test & Launch team is the common infrastructure layer for the program - we design and operate the test stands, simulation environments, and launch systems that propulsion, avionics, GNC, and structures all depend on.
You will design DAQ and control architectures for test stands across the program, write the software that makes those stands run safely and repeatably, and work directly with engineering teams to define what test infrastructure they need and build it.
The LSS needs an owner who can define its architecture, build out the simulation infrastructure, and integrate it into the broader test program.
Beyond LSS, the role expands into I&C design and commissioning across 20+ test stands on the development roadmap.
You will write control logic, terminate wiring, commission sensors, troubleshoot data pipelines during a test campaign, and eventually support launch operations.

All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency
in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws.
Why We Value You 4+ years of experience in test engineering, instrumentation & control, or systems test in aerospace, defense, automotive, or a hardware-intensive field.
you have taken a test stand from concept through commissioning and operated it during a test campaign.
You have worked directly with software, avionics, or propulsion teams and translated between hardware and software requirements.

FSW regression frameworks, plant model integration, test case development without hardware in the loop.
Simulink Real-Time, Speedgoat, NI VeriStand, or custom frameworks.
InfluxDB, Grafana, Parquet, TDMS, SQL, or time-series database architectures.

$140,000-180,000 Salary and Benefits We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package.
We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups.

Astra's mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet.

All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any req

This listing is sourced directly from Astra's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.