Senior Instrumentation and Controls Test Engineer

Location: United States, Onsite
Compensation: 130,000 to 165,000 USD per year, plus benefits and equity
Supports testing of propulsion, avionics and spacecraft systems

Darwin Space are partnered with an exciting space company who are developing advanced electric propulsion systems and spacecraft hardware. They are expanding their Test Infrastructure group with a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Test Engineer who will take ownership of real time control systems, instrumentation networks and automation logic that power their engine, avionics and subsystem testbeds.

They need a technical leader who can architect state machines, integrate instrumentation, build controls cabinets, improve test software and drive standardisation across multiple test sites. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of electrical engineering, software, controls and aerospace testing.

This is a high visibility position working closely with propulsion, avionics, software and mechanical engineering teams.

Role Overview

The Senior Instrumentation and Controls Test Engineer will design, implement and support the control and instrumentation systems that enable safe and repeatable testing across their propulsion and spacecraft programs. You will own state machine logic, instrumentation networks, safety interlocks, data acquisition hardware and real time control software.

You will support commissioning of new test stands, lead cross functional integration efforts and mentor early career engineers. This role requires a strong mix of hands on hardware experience and software capability.

Key Responsibilities

Control System Architecture

• Design and implement real time state machines for automated test stand operations
• Develop sequencing, fault detection and recovery logic for high risk systems
• Build scalable control frameworks for new and existing test infrastructure

Instrumentation and Data Acquisition

• Design, deploy and maintain instrumentation systems including pressure, temperature, flow, vibration and electrical sensors
• Integrate DAQ hardware such as NI or Keysight systems
• Build and wire harnesses, instrumentation networks and control cabinets

Software and Automation

• Develop control software in Python, C or LabVIEW
• Use Git for version control and work effectively in headless Linux environments
• Create automation scripts for standup, configuration and management

Test Stand Commissioning

• Configure PLCs, integrate sensors and establish safety interlocks
• Support installation, calibration and validation of test systems
• Drive standardisation and continuous improvement across test practices

Data Analysis and Troubleshooting

• Analyse complex test data to support failure investigations and system improvements
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, DAQ or control issues during test operations

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with propulsion, avionics, software and mechanical teams
• Support alignment of test infrastructure with system requirements and program needs

Technical Leadership

• Mentor junior engineers
• Lead multi disciplinary engineering efforts
• Influence long term test infrastructure development

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in instrumentation and control systems for test or automation
• Strong understanding of real time control systems and state machine design
• Experience with Python, LabVIEW, C or C++
• Proficiency in Git and scripting tools such as Bash or PowerShell
• Comfortable working in headless Linux environments
• Experience with DAQ systems, PLCs and industrial communication protocols
• Ability to build harnesses, assemble control panels and safely integrate electrical systems
• Experience designing or operating aerospace test stands or high risk hardware
• Comfortable working with hazardous fluids, high voltage and safety critical systems
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Mechatronics or related field

Desired Multipliers

• Experience with test automation frameworks or hardware in the loop environments
• PCB design experience for prototyping or integration
• Familiarity with Simulink, Stateflow or other model based design tools
• Experience with CAN, EtherCAT or Modbus
• Background in flight hardware testing or spacecraft systems
• Experience deploying real time telemetry or visualisation systems
• Experience with safety analysis methods such as FMEA or HAZOP
• CAD experience for brackets, enclosures or mechanical integration

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary between 130,000 and 165,000 USD
• Bonus and equity
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Opportunities for growth in a high performance aerospace environmen