Testbed and Simulation Engineer

Job Summary

We are looking for a Testbed and Simulation Engineer to join the spacecraft test team for a deep space mission that will tour the inner solar system and explore the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Launch is expected in early 2028.

You will develop behavioral hardware models and build the software-only and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments that the flight software, command and data handling, fault protection, assembly/integration and test (AIT), and mission operations teams rely on to validate spacecraft behavior.

This is a hands-on role that spans the full simulator stack: embedded and Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) driver work, the behavioral models themselves, and the infrastructure and pipelines that deliver them. You will write C++ models and Python orchestration at your desk, then deploy and test against EGSE hardware in the lab.

This is an opportunity for the prospective new hire to learn about spacecraft systems, test environments, and simulation environments. We are looking for someone with the core skillset necessary to contribute to development and maintenance of testbeds and simulations. Emphasis is on software experience, hardware experience, passion for hands-on laboratory assignments, and an excitement to continue learning new things.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Work with subsystem leads and system engineers to develop simulation needs and designs.
• Develop and maintain behavioral hardware models for spacecraft subsystem simulators.
• Build and support software-only (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator environments.
• Implement, verify, and validate simulation products, including test procedures for requirement V&V and unit/integration tests.
• Integrate simulation environments with command-and-telemetry and test data systems
• Deploy, configure, and test embedded/EGSE systems.
• Build and maintain containerized simulator environments, delivering artifacts through CI/CD pipelines.
• Support functional, performance, and mission-scenario testing for partner teams.
• Coordinate a small team of engineers to achieve common goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Programs will require compliance with export control restrictions, including EAR and ITAR.
• Onsite presence is required because of the hands-on laboratory work necessary.

What We Can Offer

• The annual salary range for this position is $99,000 - $156,700.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in a physical science, engineering, or a related field.
• ≥ 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Years of experience will be assessed against the needs of the job. Years of experience will also be used to determine job level and salary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and handle competing priorities.
• Due to requirements governing access to export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may apply.

What You Will Need

• C and C++ development proficiency.
• Python and bash scripting proficiency.
• Fluency in Linux as a primary working environment.
• Ability to design hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) models.
• Comfort taking responsibility for the systems you deploy (standing them up and configuring them sensibly to get work done).
• Ability to develop multi-threaded applications.
• Solid grasp of inter-process communication and message-passing frameworks (e.g., ZMQ, RabbitMQ).
• Engineering fundamentals sufficient to reason about and model spacecraft subsystem behavior.
• Laboratory skills: using lab equipment (ADCs, DACs, oscilloscopes, etc.), deploying software on lab hardware, and working in lab or cleanroom environments with ESD-sensitive hardware.
• Electronics: measurement techniques, Ohm's law, reading schematics.
• Familiarity with containerization tooling (Docker, Podman).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for delivering simulator artifacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by October 14, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.