Senior Software Test Engineer

Who we are

Picogrid envisions a future where every system, from the smallest sensors to next-generation fighter jets, can collaborate autonomously to create a safer and more prosperous world for all.

Today, we are at the forefront of American defense technology, developing a unified platform that integrates fragmented technologies—such as sensors, cameras, radar, and drones—into sophisticated mission systems.

Our technology is deployed globally, supporting customers including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, CAL FIRE, PG&E, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and many others.

About this role:

Picogrid is looking for a Software Test Engineer who is passionate about advancing the state of the art in defense. As a foundational member of Picogrid’s engineering team, you will work closely with our founders to define our core technology stack, engineering culture, and product roadmap.

The big engineering effort ahead of us is to build a system that’s able to ingest, process, store, and serve data from millions of legacy and future defense systems in real time. This will require us to elegantly support billions of permutations of sensor hardware, alternative data sources, analytics/AI tools, and human-machine interfaces, all with a developer-first focus and military-grade reliability/security.

In this role:

• You will raise the bar of the software in our industry and set a new paradigm for how autonomous systems are engineered

• You will NOT get bored, working across diverse engineering problems and eventually shaping your role as an individual contributor or manager.

• You will work alongside top machine learning, hardware, and software engineers.

Responsibilities

• Develop Software In the Loop (SITL) and Hardware In the Loop (HITL) test execution code to run software on Helios/Lander hardware and in SITL test environment

• Assist with architecting the automated test framework for Picogrid overall, and lead the implementation of cross-functional testing across the company

• Assist with architecting and building of HITL test fixtures for Lander/Helios and other electrical and electronics hardware

• Work with Responsible Engineers across the organization to capture requirements for HITL test cases and understand the Picogrid System

• Develop unit, integration, and regression tests, and establish continuous integration framework for software and hardware

Some types of experiences we’re especially excited to see:

• 5+ years developing software in python

• Experience (or interest in) building climate tech, defense tech, or related fields

• Experience with electronics and/or hardware-software systems

• Open-source contributions or other projects

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience working in a continuous build and test environment

• Familiarity with Git and Github

• Able to work in a Linux environment

• Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers

• Confident with use of command line based tools

• Experience with Embedded Systems

• Fault-tolerant and safety-critical software design

• Experience developing software for complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft or autonomous vehicles

• Network programming experience

• Familiarity with power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters

Why join us?

Picogrid is a profitable, quickly growing company building hardware-software systems for public and private sector customers. We offer:

• Stock options with a high upside (early stage)

• Unlimited PTO and eleven paid holidays

• Full Health Coverage (medical, dental, and vision)

• Daily office-provided lunches and dinners

• A $300 per year learning stipend that can be used on Audible, Calm, Masterclass, Duolingo, and more

• A one-time stipend of $500 to assist with expenses that come with setting up a home office

• Unique office in El Segundo, CA, stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer

Our technical stack:

• Typescript-heavy cloud data platform

• React + Redux UI

• C/C++ and Python edge compute services and device firmware

• DynamoDB (NoSQL)

• Jest test runner

• Infrastructure: Built on AWS with microservice-based architecture.

Interview Process

1. You apply

2. 20-minute intro call

3. 60-minute technical call

4. Half-day virtual onsite interviews

5. We make you an offer 🎉

Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.