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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer - **Company:** CHAOS Industries - **Location:** El Segundo, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $170,000.0 - $240,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Communications Protocols, Computer Programming, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux on Embedded Systems, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Radio-Frequency Identification, Real Time Simulation, Sensor Fusion, Simulation Software, Systems Architecture, System Integration Testing, System Testing, Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Serial Peripheral Interface, Control Structures, System-level Testing, Integration Tests, Information Technology, Hardware Infrastructure, Software Version Control - **Published:** June 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.welcometothejungle.com/en/companies/chaos-industries/jobs/principal-hardware-in-the-loop-engineer_el-segundo_s26e2xhp ## About the Role Skills & expertise Continuous integration Collaboration and teamwork C++ Matlab Linux, * The ideal candidate is a highly experienced, hands-on engineer who can lead complex HIL efforts, guide other engineers, and ensure consistent, high-quality validation approaches across programs * Experience with version control systems and CI/CD pipelines for automated testing * Strong analytical, debugging and root cause analysis skills across hardware, software, and simulation domains * Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and guide engineers through complex integration and troubleshooting challenges * 10+ years of experience in hardware-in-the-loop testing, embedded systems integration, or a closely related discipline * Solid understanding of effector system architecture, including propulsion, navigation, and control loops * Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++ for test automation and system scripting * Hands-on experience building and operating HIL or SIL simulation environments for embedded or autonomous systems * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field * Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance * Experience with communication protocols common in drone systems (MAVLink, CAN, UART, SPI, I2C) * Familiarity with flight controller software such as PX4, ArduPilot, or equivalent * Proficiency in real-time simulation platforms (e.g., dSPACE, NI VeriStand, or similar) * Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering or related field * Experience with ROS or ROS 2 for simulation and integration testing * Strong background in flight dynamics, control systems, or GNC model development (MATLAB/Simulink or similar) * Experience correlating simulation environments with real-world flight test data * Familiarity with FPGA-based simulation, embedded Linux systems, or real-time computing architectures * Experience with RF systems, GPS signal simulation, or sensor fusion validation * Experience establishing reusable simulation frameworks or model libraries across programs * Exposure to flight test operations and transitioning systems from HIL to field testing * FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAV operational credentials ## Description * CHAOS is seeking a Principal Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and deployment of advanced HIL simulation environments supporting high-reliability effector platforms * This role is responsible for defining scalable, high-fidelity validation frameworks that enable full system integration testing across multiple programs-bridging software, autonomy, and flight hardware * This position spans the full lifecycle of HIL development, from early requirements shaping and simulation architecture through hardware/software integration, automated test development, system validation, and transition to flight test * Lead the architecture, design, and development of HIL test benches for full effector system integration, including flight controllers, ESCs, sensors, and ground control systems * Define HIL strategy, fidelity requirements, and validation approaches to ensure comprehensive system-level test coverage prior to flight * Establish reusable approaches for HIL system design, model integration, and test automation across programs * Architect and integrate high-fidelity simulation models (flight dynamics, actuator, and sensor models) that accurately replicate real-world behavior * Lead integration of hardware components into HIL systems, including flight computers, ESCs, communication links, sensors, and power systems * Drive development of automated test frameworks, regression infrastructure, and CI/CD integration for continuous validation of software and firmware * Guide debugging and root cause analysis of complex hardware-software interactions using HIL data, logs, and telemetry * Collaborate with GNC, software, and systems engineering teams to define verification strategies, test plans, and acceptance criteria across programs * Own, maintain, and improve test infrastructure, including simulation software, real-time targets, and data acquisition systems * Document test methodologies, procedures, and results clearly for cross-functional team use * Support transition of HIL-validated systems to integration and flight test phases ## Related Videos - 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