Software Engineer, Hardware Test & Automation

About the role

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the test infrastructure that validates flight software against real or emulated spacecraft hardware. As a Software Engineer focused on Hardware Test & Automation, you will own the design, build‑out, and operation of hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) test rigs that support multiple concurrent satellite programs.

Key responsibilities

• Design, construct, and operate HITL test racks and supporting lab equipment.
• Extend existing test tooling into a reusable platform for multiple flight programs.
• Develop hardware emulation and simulation for spacecraft subsystems when flight hardware is unavailable.
• Build automation for test orchestration, scheduling, and reporting, integrating with CI workflows.
• Define interfaces that let software, avionics, and systems engineers add tests without deep knowledge of the stack.
• Partner with flight software, electrical, and systems teams to define coverage, prioritize gaps, and validate releases.
• Investigate test failures, distinguish infrastructure issues from genuine defects, and drive root‑cause analysis.
• Manage configuration, versioning, and traceability of test environments to ensure reproducible results.

Required profile

• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on building reliable test infrastructure.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with software, hardware, and systems engineers.

Required skills

• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing.
• Test automation and orchestration.
• Hardware emulation and subsystem simulation.
• Integration with continuous integration (CI) pipelines.
• Lab equipment configuration and instrumentation.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a critical testing function for a pioneering space‑infrastructure company.
• Work with cutting‑edge satellite technology and a team from top aerospace and defense organizations.