Software and Controls Test Engineer

Software and Controls Test Engineer II

Summary

You will be part of a team of driven and enthusiastic professionals working to revolutionize access to space. Vaya Space is a purpose driven, sustainability focused, and environmentally conscious enterprise dedicated to making a difference for humankind.  Vaya's unique vortex-hybrid rocket is projected to disrupt the market, fueled by recycled thermoplastics, it utilizes the equivalent of 2 million discarded plastic bottles per launch. Our breakthrough and patented technologies overcome the safety, affordability, and sustainability issues to transform the space industry, making the world and space a better place.

As a Software & Controls Test Engineer, you will lead the development and integration of control systems and data acquisition software for our propulsion and structural test stands. In this role, you’ll be responsible for bringing together hardware and software to enable safe, repeatable, and high-fidelity test operations—from pressure and thrust measurements to real-time control loops and automated sequencing. You'll take projects from concept through implementation, working closely with cross-functional teams to specify instrumentation, configure DAQ hardware, and develop LabVIEW-based interfaces that put critical data in the hands of our engineers. Testing is the heart of what we do, placing you in the thick of the cycle of design work, ground test, and flight tests needed to bring Dauntless to commercial flight.

To be successful, it is vital that you are comfortable working in a fast-paced and often uncertain environment, collaborating to develop innovative solutions in all areas, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. A willingness to branch outside your comfort zone is essential… we’re a small fast-paced company and everyone pitches in when needed.

Travel Required

15%

Required Security Clearance

None (ITAR Eligible)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve LabVIEW-based control and data acquisition systems for rocket engine and structural test stands.
• Support test article and facility integration by specifying and validating system hardware, including DAQ cards, control modules, industrial PCs, sensors (PTs, TCs, load cells, accelerometers, etc.), and safety interlocks.
• Collaborate with the Test Director, instrumentation engineers, and other stakeholders to define system requirements.
• Author and maintain test software documentation, configuration files, and system diagrams.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and improve test software and control logic to increase system reliability, capability, and safety.
• Participate in facility upgrades, test stand commissioning, and test campaigns.
• Maintain a rigorous and safety-focused approach to test system development and operations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Aerospace) or computer/software engineering.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in a testing, automation, or controls environment.
• Proficient in LabVIEW software development.
• Experience with National Instruments (NI) hardware, including DAQ systems, control modules, and real-time processing platforms.
• Strong background in instrumentation techniques, including sensor selection, calibration, and signal conditioning.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and analysis involving pressure transducers, thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges, and related systems.
• Comfortable working in hands-on test environments and troubleshooting both hardware and software.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.
• US Person as defined in 22 CFR Part 120.15 (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and those given asylum in the United States, and temporary residents granted amnesty) since work includes ITAR controlled technical data.

Preferred Skills and Education

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Proven track record of owning the full lifecycle of control system development—from software architecture to integration and commissioning—in support of complex hardware systems like propulsion or structural test stands.
• NI Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD), Professional Developer (CLD), or Certified TestStand Developer (CTD).
• Familiarity with control systems design, PID tuning, and real-time systems.
• Understanding of appropriate test methodologies for rocket engines and space launch vehicle hardware.
• Working knowledge of hybrid rocket engine concepts and practice