GNC Hardware Test Engineer (Aerospace)

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

Salary: $130,000–$150,000 per year, plus equity

Company

Develops satellite-based navigational intelligence and precise positioning infrastructure for spacecraft and other devices.

What you will do

• Build and maintain test jigs for evaluating GNC sensor performance.
• Integrate and test IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, and star trackers.
• Develop and debug sensor communication over SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, and similar interfaces.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop test setups for GNC software, sensors, actuators, and flight-like interfaces.
• Prototype and automate tests using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, and similar embedded platforms.
• Design fixtures and mounts with 3D printing and rapid prototyping, and collaborate with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers to troubleshoot hardware performance.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with hardware testing, sensor integration, embedded systems, robotics, aerospace projects, or comparable laboratory engineering work.
• Familiarity with navigation or attitude sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, or star trackers.
• Experience with SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or similar communication protocols.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ for test scripting, data analysis, or embedded development.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software interface issues using laboratory tools and structured debugging methods.
• For the U.S. role, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Nice to have

• BS or MS in aerospace, electrical, computer, robotics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with spacecraft, UAVs, robotics, avionics, embedded systems, hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time simulation, or automated test systems.
• Experience with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, 3D printing, CAD, and rapid fixture design.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and general laboratory equipment.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on work in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Cross-functional collaboration across GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineering.
• Equity included in the compensation package.
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace and equal employment opportunity.