Software Test & Automation Engineer II

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Software Test & Automation Engineer II to develop and maintain automated testing solutions that ensure the reliability, functionality, and performance of our next-generation spacecraft flight software. In this role, you will contribute to software integration, verification, and regression testing by developing automated test frameworks, requirements-based test cases, and test scripts that validate mission-critical spacecraft functions.

You will work closely with flight software, systems engineering, and integration and test teams to support software testing across software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight-representative environments. This position is ideal for an engineer with strong programming and test automation skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building reliable software for next-generation space missions.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

• Develop and maintain automated integration, verification, and regression testing capabilities for spacecraft flight software.
• Design, implement, and execute requirements-based test cases and automated test scripts to validate flight software functionality and performance.
• Develop and enhance automated test frameworks using Python, C/C++, or equivalent programming languages.
• Verify spacecraft command and telemetry processing, mode management, fault management, and other critical flight software functions.
• Support software testing in software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight-representative environments.
• Collaborate with flight software developers, systems engineers, and integration and test teams to identify defects, troubleshoot issues, and support root-cause analysis.
• Develop and maintain automated regression test suites to ensure software changes do not impact existing functionality.
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to improve software quality, testing efficiency, and development workflows.
• Analyze test results, document defects, and generate verification reports to support software readiness and requirements compliance.
• Support the development and maintenance of software test environments, simulation tools, and test infrastructure.
• Participate in technical reviews and contribute to improvements in software verification processes, automation tools, and configuration management practices.

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience in software development, software testing, test automation, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, or equivalent languages.
• Experience developing automated test scripts, test frameworks, or software verification tools.
• Experience testing embedded systems, real-time software, or complex software applications.
• Understanding of software integration, verification, validation, and regression testing methodologies.
• Familiarity with automated testing, CI/CD processes, and software configuration management practices.
• Experience with software debugging, troubleshooting, and defect tracking.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience with spacecraft flight software, satellite systems, avionics, or other mission-critical embedded software.
• Familiarity with spacecraft flight software architectures, command and telemetry processing, mode management, and fault detection and recovery.
• Hands-on experience with software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.
• Experience developing automated test frameworks using Python, pytest, or similar testing tools.
• Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded Linux, or similar environments.
• Familiarity with spacecraft simulation tools, ground support equipment, or flight-representative test environments.
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or GitHub Actions.
• Experience with Git, JIRA, or similar software development and configuration management tools.
• Understanding of requirements traceability, test coverage analysis, and software verification and validation (V&V) processes.
• Experience supporting spacecraft integration and testing, software qualification, or mission readiness activities.

What You’ll Get

• Ownership – Develop and maintain automated testing solutions that directly contribute to the reliability and performance of mission-critical spacecraft flight software.
• Innovation – Support transformative aerospace and defense programs enabling next-generation space mobility and operations.
• Impact – Help ensure spacecraft flight software meets critical performance, reliability, and mission readiness requirements through automated verification and testing.
• Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team working across flight software, systems engineering, and spacecraft integration and testing in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Rockville, MD

Base Salary: $100,000-140,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.