Electrical Engineer (HITL)

Job Description


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