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Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Test Engineer

Motive Companies

Alameda, CA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$130,000–$165,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Aerospace and Defense, Automation, Avionics, Bash Scripting, C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Commissioning, Communications Protocols, Continuous Improvement, Control Engineering, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, DFT (Design for Test), Data Analysis, Data Visualization Tools, Electrical Design, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Git, HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Analysis), Hardware Administration, Hardware Quality Assurance, High Voltage (HV), Instrumentation, LabVIEW Programming Language, Leadership, Linux Operating System, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Multitasking, Performance Management, Performance Testing, Printed Circuit Board Design, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Engineering, Propulsion, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Rapid Application Development (RAD), Rapid Prototyping, Scalable System Development, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Software Administration, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), System Integration (SI), System Test, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Analysis, Systems Engineering, Systems Maintenance, Systems Scalability, Technical Leadership, Telemetry, Test Automation, Test Data, Test Design, Testing, Windows PowerShell, Wire Harness
LOCATION
Alameda, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago
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

About the Company

M

Motive Companies