Manager, Software Test

As the Manager of the Software Test team, you will provide hands-on technical leadership and management for the verification and validation of Firefly Aerospace’s mission-critical software across our Alpha and Eclipse launch vehicles, Blue Ghost lunar lander, and Elytra orbital spacecraft. You will lead a team of test engineers while serving as a technical authority on software test architecture, automation, integration, and system-level validation, ensuring our flight, ground, and embedded software systems meet rigorous safety, reliability, and performance standards.

This role requires a technically proficient engineering leader with a strong foundation in software development, automated testing, and complex hardware/software integration. Beyond managing people and resources, you will actively guide technical decisions, review test designs and implementations, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive improvements in test infrastructure and coverage. Working closely with cross-functional engineering teams, you will ensure robust verification and validation throughout the software development lifecycle, from unit testing and simulation to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments and end-to-end mission testing., * Provide direct technical leadership and mentorship to the Software Test team, guiding test architecture, automation frameworks, integration strategies, and complex engineering problem-solving.

• Define and implement comprehensive verification and validation strategies across flight, ground, and embedded software, including automated regression, integration, and system-level testing.
• Lead technical reviews of test plans, automation code, frameworks, and validation results, ensuring engineering rigor, requirements traceability, and appropriate test coverage.
• Drive the development and improvement of automated test infrastructure, including Python/C++ frameworks, CI/CD integration, HIL environments, flatsat testing, and end-to-end mission simulations.
• Troubleshoot complex software and hardware/software integration issues, leading root-cause analysis, technical risk assessments, and corrective actions in collaboration with software engineering, GNC, avionics, and mission assurance teams.
• Manage team performance, staffing, and technical development while representing Software Test in engineering design reviews, program milestones, and long-term infrastructure planning.

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of progressive technical engineering experience in software development, software testing, verification and validation, or hardware/software integration within aerospace, defense, embedded systems, or other safety-critical environments.
• 3+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience, with demonstrated responsibility for technical decision-making, design reviews, and mentoring engineers.
• Demonstrated programming proficiency in Python, C++, or similar languages, with direct experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software test automation, frameworks, or infrastructure.
• Strong technical understanding of software architecture, automated testing methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and complex hardware/software integration, including HIL or simulation-based test environments.
• Proven ability to independently evaluate technical designs, assess test coverage, troubleshoot complex integration issues, and guide engineering teams through root-cause analysis and resolution.

Preferred

• MS or higher in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of software engineering or V&V experience, including direct involvement in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or other complex embedded software programs.
• Previous experience as a senior software engineer, software test engineer, test automation architect, or technical lead prior to transitioning into engineering management.
• Experience developing or maintaining custom HIL environments, simulation frameworks, or automated hardware/software integration systems.
• Familiarity with flight software architecture, real-time operating systems (RTOS), telemetry, command and control systems, and embedded communication protocols.
• Experience with NASA, DoD, or government space programs, including familiarity with standards such as DO-178C, ECSS, or AS9100.

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space - anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.