Summary / Role Purpose
The R&D Verification Engineer joins the Digital Mission Engineering business unit to perform software testing and quality assurance on industry-leading aerospace simulation tools including Systems Tool Kit (STK), Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK), and Test & Evaluation Tool Kit (TETK). This role is ideal for an aerospace engineer with a strong foundation in astrodynamics, who is passionate about ensuring mission-critical software tools are robust, accurate, and aligned with user needs.
The engineer will assess functionality, performance, and usability of complex space and defense modeling tools used by engineers, analysts, and mission planners. This includes verifying orbital mechanics models, satellite mission simulations, maneuver planning, and space situational awareness capabilities. The role also contributes to internal test infrastructure, automated testing processes, and tool development.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Design and execute test plans for orbital mechanics and aerospace mission simulations
Apply technical expertise and engineering background to test design and decision making
Perform functional, regression, performance, and API testing in both manual and automated environments
Collaborate with developers and domain experts to validate astrodynamics algorithms and mission modeling features
Automate test activities at the application and systems levels, focusing on space mission use cases
Expand test coverage of aerospace-specific functionality (e.g., orbit propagation, satellite tracking, maneuver planning)
Monitor test results, investigate failures, and perform root cause analysis
Support quality initiatives and ensure product requirements and industry standards are met
Minimum Education/Certification Requirements and Experience
BS in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautics, Systems Engineering, or related field
Coursework or experience in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, or space systems
Programming experience in Python, C#, and/or Java
Understanding of satellite operations, mission design, or orbit determination concepts
Willing and able to work with both Windows and Linux environments
Exceptional problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
Excellent collaboration, communication, and analytical skills
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
Experience with STK, ODTK, or similar aerospace modeling tools
Familiarity with automated test frameworks such as NUnit or JUnit
Experience with CI/CD practices and version control tools
Scripting experience in Perl or other scripting languages
Interest in advancing the quality and reliability of aerospace simulation software