> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2718454-test-engineer-ground-systems](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2718454-test-engineer-ground-systems). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Test Engineer, Ground Systems - **Company:** Observable - **Location:** Los Angeles, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Experienced - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Software Debugging, Linux on Embedded Systems, Ethernet, Firmware, Hardware Interface Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Open Source Technology, Real-Time Operating Systems, System Testing, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Computer Networking Systems, System-level Testing, Integration Tests - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/test-engineer-ground-systems-observable-space-8130625 ## About the Role * 3+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development. * Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, or similar languages used for automation and system testing. * Experience designing and implementing system-level or hardware-integrated test environments. * Solid understanding of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, UART) and embedded systems. * Experience with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, etc.) for debugging and validation. * Ability to read and interpret schematics and debug at the electrical-software boundary. * Strong debugging intuition and ability to diagnose complex system-level issues. * Experience working in fast-paced prototyping environments with rapid iteration cycles. * Strong product sense with a focus on reliability, robustness, and field performance., * Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testing or simulation-based validation systems. * Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, or firmware development environments. * Experience with networking systems, distributed control systems, or telemetry pipelines. * Background in robotics, observatory systems, or remote/automated operations. * Experience building CI/CD pipelines for hardware-integrated systems. * Experience with environmental testing or field deployment of hardware systems. * Contributions to open-source testing frameworks or embedded systems projects. * Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration. ## Description As a Test Engineer, Ground Systems, you will work across our full product line, focusing on robotic ground-based telescope systems and observatory infrastructure. You will design, build, and operate test systems that validate the performance, reliability, and integration of our hardware and software in real-world environments. This role is deeply hands-on: you will work directly with physical systems, develop automated test frameworks, simulate operational conditions, and debug complex issues across electrical, mechanical, and software domains. You will report to the Systems or Embedded Engineering Lead. What You'll Do * Architect, implement, and document test systems for ground-based observatory and telescope platforms. * Design and maintain automated test frameworks that validate system performance, reliability, and integration. * Build and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) and system-level test environments. * Develop simulation environments to emulate real-world operating conditions, including sensor inputs, control systems, and communication interfaces. * Debug complex issues across hardware and software boundaries, including intermittent and edge-case failures. * Collaborate closely with embedded, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure comprehensive system validation. * Define and execute test plans, validation procedures, and performance benchmarks. * Support hardware bring-up, integration, and field testing of ground systems. * Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous validation of system performance. * Participate in product design reviews to ensure testability, reliability, and long-term maintainability. ## Related Videos - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Excellent Software Testing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/87-excellent-software-testing) - [Testing .NET applications a Tool box for every developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/704-testing-net-applications-a-tool-box-for-every-developer) - [How I Built QA from Scratch in a Scaling Startup - no fluff real life story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2041-how-i-built-qa-from-scratch-in-a-scaling-startup-no-fluff-real-life-story) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)