Satellite System Integration and Test Engineer - HWIL/SWIL

Job Posting

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary:

Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Satellite System Integration and Test (SEIT) Engineer to develop solutions for satellite integration and test. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.

Position Responsibilities:

The Systems Engineer will contribute to the development and execution of Airbus U.S. satellite verification and validation activities, including Flatsats, HWIL/SWIL environments, and simulators. In this role, the engineer will map technical requirements to verification and validation strategies, develop test plans, procedures, and automated test scripts, and execute and report software, subsystem, and system-level test results. The engineer will also support requirements decomposition and the development of design documentation.

As a mid-level engineer, the Systems Engineer will lead portions of the verification program, serve as Test Conductor for formal validation events, troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues, and execute moderate to complex assignments with increasing autonomy under the Systems Engineering Manager and senior Systems Engineers.

Satellite Functional Verification and Validation - 80%

• Review the satellite functional specification and develop verification plans and test approaches to validate requirements.
• Design and build automated testing systems, tooling, and/or ground support equipment (GSE) to optimize test and production workflows.
• Develop, execute, and maintain test procedures and automated scripts for Flatsat, HWIL, and SWIL environments.
• Serve as a test developer by writing automated TCL-based test scripts for the TERMA CCS5 command-and-control (C2) system.
• Serve as Test Conductor for formal validation tests and lead dry runs or readiness activities.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues, perform detailed data analysis, and generate or review test reports, non-conformances, and closure documentation.
• Participate in and help coordinate cross-functional planning, integration, and test execution across engineering disciplines.

Satellite System Architecture Development - 20%

• Support system architecture trade studies and requirements development for mission objectives.
• Update the satellite functional specification based on new mission or customer requirements.
• Generate system architecture artifacts such as spacecraft CONOPS, algorithm descriptions, and interface documentation.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
• Preferred: Master's in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 1 year with a Master's degree.
• Experience supporting aerospace hardware and/or software development in phases such as design, integration, verification, or test.
• Experience with test automation or scripting (TCL, Python, or similar), preferably in a command-and-control (C2) environment such as TERMA CCS5.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Proficiency with systems engineering and I&T processes including requirements traceability, verification planning, and test documentation.
• Experience working with Flatsats, HWIL/SWIL systems, simulators, or similar integration environments.
• Familiarity with testability concepts, environmental test planning, and integration-level troubleshooting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively across engineering and program teams.
• Ability to work in a multi-functional, fast-paced engineering environment.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and deliver results with moderate oversight.

Preferred Technical Experience:

• Experience leading portions of verification and validation activities for aerospace hardware or software systems, including Flatsat, HWIL/SWIL, or simulation-based testing.
• Experience contributing to subsystem-level verification matrices, test plans, or readiness reviews.
• Familiarity with digital twin or simulator-based test environments.

Preferred Test Engineering Capabilities:

• Experience with system-level troubleshooting, anomaly investigation, and root cause analysis.
• Understanding of testability concepts, integration workflows, and environmental test considerations.

Professional Skills:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface effectively across engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with increasing autonomy in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong initiative and consistent record of delivering high-quality results.

Travel Required:

• Periodic travel (less than 10%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies
• Occasional International travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship is required

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance
• Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents.
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
• Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.