Staff Software Engineer - Test Automation & Infrastructure

Austin, TXEngineering – Test /Full-time /On-sitePlease Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer – Test Automation & Infrastructure to develop and scale automated test systems supporting the validation of complex RF and satellite communications payloads. This role sits at the intersection of software development and hardware test engineering, building robust automation frameworks and infrastructure that ensure reliable, repeatable system validation.You will play a key role in improving product quality, accelerating development cycles, and enabling seamless integration across hardware and software systems.KEY RESPONSIBILIES Develop automated test software to control laboratory instrumentation such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and network equipment.Implement and maintain test sequences for both system-level and component-level validation.Support integration and execution of tests across hardware and software environments.Debug and troubleshoot test failures across software, hardware, and interface layers.Ensure test systems produce accurate, repeatable, and reliable results.Design and implement software for device under test (DUT) control, including command handling, telemetry ingestion, and state management.Build reusable automation frameworks and scripts to streamline test development.Apply best practices in software engineering, including modular design, version control, and code reviews.Reduce manual intervention through efficient and scalable automation solutions.Develop tools and utilities to enhance test engineering productivity.Design and maintain scalable test automation infrastructure supporting multiple configurations and environments.Enhance existing frameworks for improved reliability, maintainability, and scalability.Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines where applicable.Standardize tooling and infrastructure across teams to ensure consistency.Contribute to shared libraries and reusable automation components.Act as a technical bridge between software and test engineering teams.Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software teams to ensure system testability.Support integration of new components into existing test environments.Translate system requirements into effective automation strategies.Participate in design and integration reviews to ensure validation readiness.Identify and implement improvements to test automation architecture and codebase.Contribute to the evolution of next-generation test frameworks and infrastructure.Drive simplification and standardization to reduce development cycle time.Advocate for scalable, maintainable, and reusable design principles.Continuously improve test processes, tools, and methodologies.JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).8+ years of experience in software engineering, test automation, or related roles.Experience developing software that interfaces with hardware systems or laboratory instrumentation.Strong experience in test automation framework and infrastructure development.Proficiency in Python, C/C++, or similar.Familiarity withGit, CI/CD tools, automated test frameworks.Hardware/software integration and system-level testing expertise.Instrumentation control and data acquisition knowledge.Solid understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and best practices.Proven debugging and root cause analysis skills across integrated systems.Ability to design scalable systems and think architecturally.Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Effective communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with electronic test equipment.CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.