Contact UsContact UsContact UsContact UsContact UsHardware and Embedded Test EngineerPalo Alto, CA | Hybrid or OnsiteApplyApplyEraDrive’s goal is to revolutionize how spaceflight is done and managed through autonomy. EraDrive builds autonomy software and hardware that let spacecraft see, decide, and act with minimal human control. Our software is already flying in space, and we are growing it into a product family that covers rendezvous, in orbit inspection, and space based sensing. You will be one of EraDrive’s first engineering hires and a founding member of the team.You will own the testbeds that prove our autonomy and AI-driven perception work on real hardware under real lighting, noise, and timing conditions. This role is the ground truth for whether autonomy actually works in the real world. You are not a support function – you define reality for the rest of the stack. From optical stimulators and cameras to embedded processors and robotic testbeds, you will be the person who makes our software see the world as it will look in orbit.What you will doOwn setup and operation of optical stimulation and hardware in the loop testbeds used to validate image processing, optical navigation, and AI/ML-based perception algorithmsIntegrate and bring up cameras, star trackers, crosslink radios, and flight-like processors, including cabling, configuration, and diagnosticsDevelop and maintain embedded software in C or C++ for sensor interfaces, timing, data capture, and test automationDesign and run repeatable test campaigns, including calibration procedures, performance sweeps, and long duration robustness tests for both classical and learned componentsBuild tools for logging, replay, and analysis of test data, working closely with autonomy and software engineers to diagnose issues in perception and navigationMaintain the reliability and safety of lab setups, including documentation, checklists, and basic hardware maintenanceFeed real world findings back into the design of algorithms, AI/ML models, and software architectures so the full stack reflects hardware realitiesWhat you bringHands on experience with embedded systems or robotics, including sensor bring up and low level softwareProficiency in C or C++, with a focus on deterministic, timing aware codeComfort working with lab equipment, such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, camera mounts, and motion rigsExperience setting up or operating hardware in the loop or system level test environmentsStrong debugging instincts across hardware, firmware, and software boundariesClear communication and documentation habits, so others can rely on your setupsBonusExperience with optical test setups, camera calibration, or photometric calibrationExperience with the design and characterization of optical imaging systemsExperience deploying or testing ML models on embedded or GPU-equipped edge devicesExperience in implementing networked systems consisting of multiple discrete agentsBasic mechanical design skills, for example in CAD, for fixtures and mountsPrior work on aerospace, automotive, or other safety critical systems
Want jobs like this matched to you?
Swoopd scores fresh postings against your résumé so you only see the matches that matter.