Satellite Systems 1&T Engineer

Red Canyon Software is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Satellite Systems I&T Engineer - HWIL/SWIL (Contract) to develop solutions for satellite integration and test. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.

Position Responsibilities:

The Satellite Systems I&T Engineer (SEIT) will contribute to the development and execution of satellite verification and validation activities, including Flatsats, HWIL/SWIL environments, and simulators. In this role, the engineer will map technical requirements to verification and validation strategies, develop test plans, procedures, and automated test scripts, and execute and report software, subsystem, and system-level test results. The engineer will also support requirements decomposition and the development of design documentation.

As a mid-level engineer, the SEIT Engineer will lead portions of the verification program, serve as Test Conductor for formal validation events, troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues, and execute moderate to complex assignments with increasing autonomy under the Systems Engineering Manager and senior Systems Engineers.

Satellite Functional Verification and Validation - 80%

• Review the satellite functional specification and develop verification plans and test approaches to validate requirements.
• Design and build automated testing systems, tooling, and/or ground support equipment (GSE) to optimize test and production workflows.
• Develop, execute, and maintain test procedures and automated scripts for Flatsat, HWIL, and SWIL environments.
• Serve as a test developer by writing automated TCL-based test scripts for the TERMA CCS5 command-and-control (C2) system.
• Serve as Test Conductor for formal validation tests and lead dry runs or readiness activities.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues, perform detailed data analysis, and generate or review test reports, non-conformances, and closure documentation.
• Participate in and help coordinate cross-functional planning, integration, and test execution across engineering disciplines.

Satellite System Architecture Development - 20%

• Support system architecture trade studies and requirements development for mission objectives.
• Update the satellite functional specification based on new mission or customer requirements.
• Generate system architecture artifacts such as spacecraft CONOPS, algorithm descriptions, and interface documentation.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
• Preferred: Masters in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 1 year with a master's degree.
• Experience supporting aerospace hardware and/or software development in phases such as design, integration, verification, or test.
• Experience with test automation or scripting (TCL, Python, or similar), preferably in a command-and-control (C2) environment such as TERMA CCS5.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Proficiency with systems engineering and I&T processes including requirements traceability, verification planning, and test documentation.
• Experience working with Flatsats, HWIL/SWIL systems, simulators, or similar integration environments.
• Familiarity with testability concepts, environmental test planning, and integration-level troubleshooting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively across engineering and program teams.
• Ability to work in a multi-functional, fast-paced engineering environment.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and deliver results with moderate oversight.

Preferred Technical Experience:

• Experience leading portions of verification and validation activities for aerospace hardware or software systems, including Flatsat, HWIL/SWIL, or simulation-based testing.
• Experience contributing to subsystem-level verification matrices, test plans, or readiness reviews.
• Familiarity with digital twin or simulator-based test environments.

Preferred Test Engineering Capabilities:

• Experience with system-level troubleshooting, anomaly investigation, and root cause analysis.
• Understanding of testability concepts, integration workflows, and environmental test considerations.

Professional Skills:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface effectively across engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with increasing autonomy in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong initiative and consistent record of delivering high-quality results.