Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design

Job description

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration. With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration. Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space. We are seeking an experienced and technically hands-on **Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design** Manager to lead multidisciplinary software teams developing mission-critical systems for lunar landers, spacecraft, and satellite platforms. This role oversees the development of flight software (FSW), ground software (GSW), mission operations software, and test software environments supporting spacecraft development, integration, verification, and mission operations. The ideal candidate combines strong technical leadership with deep systems-level understanding of aerospace software architectures, mission operations concepts, real-time embedded systems, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) infrastructure, and closed-loop integration and test (CIL) environments ensuring consistency, scalability, and reliability across global engineering teams. This individual will drive execution across the full software lifecycle while fostering agile engineering practices, scalable engineering processes, and a high-performing technical culture. This is not a role for someone who needs constant direction or is uncomfortable making informed decisions in a fast-moving environment; it is for a thoughtful, diligent leader who can balance independence with strong team partnership. For the right person, this is a chance to apply both strategic judgment and meticulous execution to work genuinely on the frontier of space development. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to space systems that will have global impact through lunar exploration, satellite communications, and next-generation space infrastructure applying both strategic judgment and meticulous execution to work genuinely on the frontier of space development. ### Key Responsibilities - Lead multidisciplinary teams across Flight Software, Ground Software, Mission Operations Software, Automated Test & Verification, and Simulation/Integration. - Drive architecture, development, integration, and deployment of mission-critical software for lunar landers, spacecraft, and satellite platforms. - Develop real-time HIL and Closed-Loop Integration (CIL) test environments; maintain automated test, simulation, and regression frameworks. - Oversee software integration across avionics, sensors, flight computers, comms systems, and mission operations infrastructure using MATLAB/Simulink, NI LabVIEW/VeriStand/TestStand, and Speedgoat systems. - Establish scalable software architectures, CI/CD pipelines, code review standards, and quality metrics across the organization. - Champion agile methodologies — sprint planning, backlog management, and incremental delivery. - Partner with Systems, Avionics, GNC, Hardware, I&T, and Mission Ops teams; support mission readiness, anomaly investigations, and post-launch operations. - Mentor engineers, build high-performing teams, and contribute to resource estimation, risk identification, and schedule planning. - Embody ispace values: Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability. ### Basic Qualifications - B.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. - 8+ years of software engineering experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or high-reliability industries. - 3+ years of engineering management or technical leadership of multidisciplinary software teams. - Hands-on experience with C/C++, Python, Linux, MATLAB/Simulink, and NI LabVIEW/VeriStand/TestStand/Speedgoat. - Familiarity with RTOS environments (VxWorks, RTEMS), spacecraft protocols (CCSDS, cFS, DDS), or SIL testing. - Strong background in real-time embedded systems, distributed architectures, FSW/GSW, telemetry/command, and spacecraft I&T. - Experience architecting real-time HIL systems and CIL test environments. - Proven ability to establish engineering best practices and grow technical talent. - Familiarity with ITAR/EAR requirements for sharing technical data with international parties. ### What Makes You Stand Out! - Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite constellation programs. - Knowledge of NASA software standards and aerospace development lifecycles. - Background in safety-critical industries (aerospace, automotive, defense). - Experience supporting environmental testing, launch campaigns, or on-console mission operations. - Willingness to travel domestically or internationally (<20%).