At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.
With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.
Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.
We are seeking a Software & Simulation Test Design Engineer to architect and lead the development of a unified test software framework and simulation that ensures consistency, scalability, and reliability across global engineering teams. This role is central to establishing standardized testing practices, simulation environments, and automation infrastructure that enable high-confidence validation of mission-critical systems.
You will define test software across the organization—creating a cohesive ecosystem that spans simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), integration, and system-level testing—while enabling teams in different regions to operate efficiently within a shared framework.
### Key Responsibilities
Test Framework Architecture: Design and evolve a modular, global test framework supporting unit, integration, system, and simulation-based testing. Define reusable abstractions, APIs, and libraries for consistent implementation, including fault injection scenarios such as sensor dropouts, thruster misfires, and communication delays.
Simulation & Test Infrastructure: Architect scalable simulation environments and virtual testbeds with seamless HIL/SIL integration, covering orbital mechanics, space environments (vacuum, radiation, thermal), and spacecraft dynamics including attitude control and propulsion.
Global Standardization & Governance Establish: common testing strategies, naming conventions, data formats, and reporting standards across regions. Define quality metrics, coverage standards, and quality gates; lead architecture and test design reviews to enforce best practices.
Automation & CI/CD: Build and standardize automated test pipelines within CI/CD workflows, ensuring tests are reliable, reproducible, and scalable across distributed environments.
Performance & Mission Scenario Testing: Ensure test systems support large-scale simulations, high data throughput, and long-duration runs — including thousands of simulated missions across launch windows, environmental variations, and anomaly scenarios. Optimize for speed, determinism, and debuggability.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with global engineering teams to drive adoption of the test framework. Contribute to resource estimation, schedule planning, and risk identification. Embody ispace values — Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability — and stay current on emerging tools and methodologies.
### Basic Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of software engineering experience with significant focus on test systems or infrastructure
Proven track record designing scalable test frameworks or platforms
Strong programming skills in Python, C++, Java, or similar
Experience with automated testing, CI/CD systems, and test orchestration tools
Solid understanding of software V&V principles
Familiarity with ITAR/EAR requirements for sharing technical data internationally
### What Makes You Stand Out
Experience with simulation environments (MATLAB/Simulink, ROS, or custom platforms) and HIL/SIL testing
Background in safety-critical industries (aerospace, automotive, robotics, or defense)
Knowledge of distributed systems, cloud-based test infrastructure, and LabVIEW
Familiarity with orbital mechanics, control theory, and embedded flight software constraints
Experience interpreting telemetry and simulation data outputs
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities; willingness to travel (<10%)
### Compensation and Benefits
We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.
JG4- $101,000- $151,000
JG5 - $126,000-$189,000
· Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
· Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.
· Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
· Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.
· Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
· Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.
· Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
· Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.
· Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.
· Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly engagement events to connect and unwind.
#LI-LH1
At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.
ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
