HIL Engineer Opportunity Astra's mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry's leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.
The Opportunity:
As a HIL Engineer, you'll work at the intersection of flight software, avionics hardware, and simulation – building and operating the test environments that verify our rocket's brain before it ever leaves the ground. Hardware-in-the-loop testing is how we find failure modes cheaply, and at Astra, it's tightly coupled to active flight programs. You'll work alongside flight software, avionics, and test engineers to stand up HIL benches, run test cases, and help close verification gaps on real hardware. Two or three years in, curious about how systems actually behave, and ready to do hands-on work that matters directly to launch – this role is for you.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission:- Build, configure, and maintain HIL test benches integrating real avionics hardware with real-time simulation environments.
- Execute test cases against flight software and avionics subsystems, logging results and identifying anomalies.
- Develop and refine test scripts and simulation models under the guidance of senior engineers, building toward independent test case authorship.
- Interface with flight software, avionics, and systems engineering teams to understand requirements and translate them into executable test scenarios.
- Support integration of flight hardware onto bench – including harness connections, I/O mapping, and signal verification.
- Maintain bench configuration documentation and test records in support of verification closure.
- Why We Value You 2+ years of experience in a test, lab, or development environment (internships, university programs, and personal projects count)
- Exposure to real-time systems, embedded hardware, or software-hardware integration – you understand the difference between a simulation running fast and a simulation running correctly
- Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (Python, MATLAB, C, or similar)
- Comfortable reading schematics and understanding signal flow at a functional level
- Familiarity with data acquisition, signal conditioning, or I/O hardwareB.S. in Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, or related engineering field
- Desired Multipliers
- Hands-on experience with real-time platforms (National Instruments VeriStand/cRIO, dSPACE, Speedgoat, or similar)
- Exposure to avionics communication protocols (CAN, RS-422, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, or similar)
- Prior work on a verification or integration bench in any industry
- Comfort reading flight software requirements or interface control documents
- The pay range for this role is: $92,248 - $130,000
Salary and Benefits:
We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
ITAR Requirements:
This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
