Principal Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer (Defense)

TL;DR

Principal Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer (Defense): Leading the architecture and deployment of advanced HIL simulation environments for high-reliability effector platforms with an accent on scalable validation frameworks and system integration. Focus on bridging software, autonomy, and flight hardware to ensure comprehensive system-level test coverage prior to flight.

Location: On-site in Hawthorne, California, United States

Salary: $170,000–$240,000

Company

hirify.global is a defense company redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™).

What you will do

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of HIL test benches for full effector system integration, including flight controllers and sensors.
• Define HIL strategy, fidelity requirements, and validation approaches to ensure comprehensive system-level test coverage.
• Architect and integrate high-fidelity simulation models for flight dynamics, actuators, and sensors.
• Drive the development of automated test frameworks, regression infrastructure, and CI/CD integration for continuous validation.
• Guide debugging and root cause analysis of complex hardware-software interactions using HIL data and telemetry.
• Collaborate with GNC, software, and systems engineering teams to define verification strategies and acceptance criteria.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in hardware-in-the-loop testing or embedded systems integration.
• Proficiency in real-time simulation platforms (e.g., dSPACE, NI VeriStand) and programming in Python and/or C/C++.
• Familiarity with flight controller software (PX4, ArduPilot) and communication protocols (MAVLink, CAN, UART, SPI, I2C).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Must be based in or be able to relocate to Hawthorne, CA.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with ROS or ROS 2 for simulation and integration testing.
• Background in flight dynamics, control systems, or GNC model development (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience with FPGA-based simulation, embedded Linux, or RF systems and GPS signal simulation.
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAV operational credentials.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company.
• 401k with 50% company match up to 6% of pay, plus FSA and HSA.
• Unlimited PTO and 'No meeting Fridays'.
• Free daily lunch and a casual dress code.
• Generous pre-IPO stock option grants and relocation assistance.