About this Test Infrastructure Engineer role at Loftorbital
About the Role
Orbitworks is looking for a hands-on Test Infrastructure Engineer to design, build and maintain the test benches and stations that support satellite software development, hardware integration, verification and validation.
You will work across Linux systems, networking, embedded hardware and automation to deliver reliable software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments. Partnering with Systems Engineering, Software, Product and Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) teams, you will ensure our test infrastructure meets program needs from initial design through deployment and ongoing support.
What You’ll Do
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Define, build, configure and maintain test benches and test stations for software and hardware verification and validation.
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Integrate embedded hardware, software products, networking and cloud components into functional test environments.
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Deploy and support test stations, equipment and software used during satellite integration and test campaigns.
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Troubleshoot issues across Linux services, network configurations, containers and hardware interfaces.
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Develop Python and Bash scripts to automate configuration, deployment, maintenance and support.
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Use Git, GitLab and continuous integration tools to manage test infrastructure configurations and changes.
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Work with engineering and program stakeholders to translate requirements into practical test infrastructure solutions.
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Improve the reliability and usability of test environments by simplifying tools, standardising interfaces and automating recurring tasks.
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Coordinate with manufacturing, product lifecycle management and procurement teams to support test bench builds and equipment needs.
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Take ownership of infrastructure updates and improvements as program requirements
What You’ll Bring
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At least 5 years of experience working with Linux systems and networking.
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Hands-on experience with embedded hardware, including engineering or flight models.
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Experience in system validation and platform integration.
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Strong Linux troubleshooting skills, including systemd, networkd and file systems, alongside experience debugging HIL setups.
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A solid understanding of VLANs, OSI layers, TCP/IP, UDP and packet tracing using tools such as tcpdump and Wireshark.
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Proficiency in Python and scripting languages such as Bash.
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Experience with Git, GitLab and standard software development practices.
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The ability to create, configure and manage Docker containers and cloud-based pods or equivalent environments.
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Experience with continuous integration tools, CI/CD workflows and cloud-based automation.
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Some experience with manufacturing execution systems, product lifecycle management tools and procurement systems.
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The ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across hardware, software and integration teams.
Nice to Have
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Experience designing and deploying automated HIL test benches.
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Experience with satellite or other space systems.
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Knowledge of embedded and space communication protocols and standards.
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Experience collaborating with mechanical and electrical engineering teams.
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Knowledge of harness design and assembly.
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Familiarity with additional programming or configuration languages, such as C, C++, C#, Lua, YAML or CUE, and software architecture.
What Success Looks Like
Within your first three months, you will understand our existing test infrastructure, tools and stakeholder needs; take ownership of test bench design and implementation activities; and independently maintain and update environments supporting AIT and software verification. You will also begin identifying and delivering improvements that make deployment, maintenance and support more consistent and efficient.
