Lead Software Engineer, Components Test (Starshield)

Hawthorne · USD 165,000-265,000 · 2+ years experience · Posted Oct 15, 2026

At a glance

As Lead Software Engineer for Components Test within the Starshield program, you will lead the design and development of test software infrastructure to validate component performance in a cross-disciplinary environment.
You will create new test systems and infrastructure from the ground up to test hardware, software, and their interfaces.
The role involves working in a dynamic environment with changing needs to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
Manage projects and delegate responsibilities effectively to complete work on time
Determine team goals to effectively reduce software maintenance burden
Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, physics or engineering discipline
5+ years of development experience in object-oriented language
2+ years of development experience in Python
2+ years of experience with Linux operating systems

Experience leading a team of diverse individuals
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software used in real-world applications
Experience with continuous integration and agile development
Extensive knowledge of digital and analog interfaces, including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion
Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware, such as network devices and lab instrumentation
Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time

Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year