Electrical Engineer – Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL)

Position: Electrical Engineer – Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) – Quantum Space 
Location: Rockville, MD 
Commitment: Full-time 

Who We’re Looking For 

Quantum Space is developing spacecraft with high agility, autonomy, and mission adaptability. We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer – HITL to support the design, integration, and operation of hardware-in-the-loop systems that simulate full spacecraft functionality. 

In this role, you’ll build and manage spacecraft HITL testbeds, develop hardware and software component emulators, and support AI&T and anomaly investigations. You will collaborate closely with electrical, avionics, software, and systems teams to create a robust and accurate testing environment that accelerates hardware and software readiness. 

Where You’ll Make an Impact 

Develop, maintain, and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testbeds to simulate spacecraft subsystems and mission operations 

Design and implement hardware and software emulators for avionics, sensors, power systems, propulsion interfaces, and other spacecraft components 

Write and execute work instructions, test procedures, and HITL implementation plans 

Lead the investigation and recreation of spacecraft anomalies in HITL environments 

Develop and execute automated hardware testing scripts for validation and regression testing 

Support anomaly resolution by reproducing spacecraft conditions using simulated environments 

Create and maintain interface control documents (ICDs), configuration documents, and hand-off documentation across teams 

Operate in cleanroom and controlled lab environments, supporting flight hardware and ESD-sensitive components 

Maintain lab safety protocols and ensure HITL systems support program schedule needs 

Support delivery and acceptance of EGSE and HITL systems for flight hardware validation 

What It Takes 

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field 

Minimum 5 years of experience supporting HITL testbeds and simulations for spaceflight systems 

Experience developing hardware/software emulators for spacecraft components 

Ability to troubleshoot, debug, and reproduce anomalies using electrical test equipment and simulated inputs 

Expertise with oscilloscopes, DMMs, programmable power supplies, and test instrumentation 

Skilled at writing test scripts (e.g., Python) for automated flight hardware validation 

Knowledge of code verification and validation methodologies 

Familiarity with ESD-safe handling procedures and cleanroom protocols 

Experience in technical documentation including ICDs, test procedures, and config management 

Strong cross-functional awareness and systems-level thinking 

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative environment where priorities shift quickly 

Nice-to-Have Experience 

Strong background in core EE fundamentals (analog/digital circuits, power, grounding, etc.) 

Experience with spacecraft data buses and interfaces (RS422/RS485, SpaceWire, Ethernet, SERDES, LVDS, CAN, Discrete IO, Cameralink) 

Familiarity with avionics system architecture, electrical power system (EPS) architecture, , and spacecraft power modeling 

Hands-on experience with ECAD tools like OrCAD or Altium for schematic capture, layout, and parts library management 

Experience with circuit simulation tools (e.g., LTSpice, PSpice) 

Experience authoring and validating electrical systems requirements for flight 

Experience with FPGA-based systems and HDL programming (VHDL, Verilog) 

Certifications such as NASA-STD-8739.4, IPC-620, J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721 

Experience with project management or test team leadership 

What You’ll Get 

Ownership – Build, own, and operate a mission-critical HITL test infrastructure 

Innovation – Simulate advanced spacecraft operations and support rapid test iteration 

Impact – Enable robust testing, validation, and flight readiness across missions 

Growth – Join a cross-functional hardware/software test team at the center of vehicle integration 

Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing 

Additional Requirements 

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

Apply now. Join us in building the test systems that ensure our spacecraft fly flawlessly.