Software Integration & Test Engineer
Portal Space Systems
We are seeking a Software Integration & Test Engineer to own the validation of spacecraft software and firmware for the Supernova platform. This role bridges development and test: building HITL environments, writing extensive test code, debugging across subsystems, and integrating vendor baselines into a unified, flight-ready stack. This engineer will be responsible for flight software reliability under mission conditions, contributing both code and integration to the fast, decisive spacecraft deliveries that define Portal’s approach to spaceflight.
Responsibilities
- Develop and own the execution and testing framework for spacecraft software and firmware, including HITL test cases and environments
- Debug and resolve software and firmware issues across avionics and payload systems, driving root-cause resolution with vendors
- Review and guide software architecture (state machines, error handling, ICDs, vendor scopes) to ensure reliability and mission alignment
- Partner with Avionics Engineers to co-develop HITL and ICD infrastructure, enabling automated regression and CI/CD pipelines
- Own software and firmware integration from first power-on to flight-ready, ensuring subsystem bring-up and validation
- Build and expand HITL environments to support edge cases, fault injection, and full mission simulation
- Develop automated frameworks for regression, logging, and fault coverage to drive continuous validation
- Own build, delivery, and versioning pipelines that ensure mission-ready software
Basic Qualifications
- 5 - 7 years of experience developing and testing embedded software or firmware for complex or mission-critical systems, or equivalent lab and project experience
- Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test environments or embedded system bring-up
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ or Python for embedded software development and test automation
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment with high levels of ownership
Preferred skills & Experience
- 7+ years of embedded or spacecraft software development and integration experience and/or a Master’s degree with equivalent hands-on depth
- Experience with spacecraft software integration, including avionics, ADCS, power, or payload subsystems
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded Linux, or spacecraft flight software frameworks (e.g., cFS, FreeRTOS, VxWorks)
- Knowledge of common spacecraft communication protocols (e.g., CAN, UART, Ethernet)
- Strong opinions regarding automated test frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and regression testing environments
- Background in fault injection, FDIR concepts, or fault-tolerant software design
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional software validation efforts or mentor junior engineers
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Portal. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage. Portal is planning to establish future access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks. Employees typically have 2-3 weeks of paid vacation per year plus company holidays.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.