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.