The Company, an innovative aerospace company developing advanced propulsion and spacecraft technologies, is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Test Engineer to lead the design and improvement of complex test infrastructure supporting propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware. You will also serve as a technical leader across multiple projects, mentoring engineers and helping design scalable test systems that support rapid development cycles.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Alameda, CA
Salary
$130,000–$165,000 Per Year
Description
The Company, an innovative aerospace company developing advanced propulsion and spacecraft technologies, is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Test Engineer to lead the design and improvement of complex test infrastructure supporting propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware. In this role you will be responsible for developing and operating instrumentation and control systems used in high-performance test environments. You will also serve as a technical leader across multiple projects, mentoring engineers and helping design scalable test systems that support rapid development cycles.
Responsibilities:
Design and implement real-time state machines to automate test stand operations, including sequencing, fault detection, and recovery logic
Develop and maintain instrumentation systems for pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and electrical measurements across test environments
Build scalable control software and hardware systems supporting current and future test infrastructure
Work in Linux-based environments, using Git for version control and scripting tools such as Bash or PowerShell for automation
Design and wire electrical harnesses and control cabinets, ensuring safe and reliable system integration
Collaborate cross-functionally with software, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion teams to align test systems with engineering requirements
Support commissioning of new test stands, including PLC configuration, sensor integration, and safety interlocks
Analyze complex test data to support failure investigations and performance improvements
Drive standardization and continuous improvement of instrumentation and controls practices
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
The pay range for this role is $130-$165k per year.
Required Qualifications:
US Person (ITAR compliance)
On-site availability in Alameda, CA
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
5+ years of hands-on experience with instrumentation and control systems for testing, automation, or complex engineering environments
Experience implementing real-time control systems, including state machines using Python, LabVIEW, C, or C++
Experience with version control systems (Git) and scripting tools such as Bash or PowerShell
Comfortable working in Linux environments, including remote or headless systems
Experience with data acquisition systems, PLCs, and industrial communication protocols
Hands-on experience building electrical harnesses, control panels, or instrumentation cabinets
Experience designing or operating engineering test stands for complex hardware systems
Comfortable working with high-voltage systems, hazardous fluids, and safety-critical hardware
Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary engineering efforts
Preferred Experience:
Experience with test automation frameworks or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems
Experience designing PCBs for test hardware or rapid prototyping
Familiarity with model-based design tools such as Simulink or Stateflow
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as CAN, EtherCAT, or Modbus
Background in flight hardware testing, propulsion systems, or space systems
Experience deploying telemetry systems and real-time data visualization tools
Exposure to system safety analysis methods such as FMEA or HAZOP
CAD experience designing brackets, enclosures, or mechanical integrations