Avionics Test Engineer (Digital/Optical)

Company: impulsespace
Location: Redondo Beach, California
Type: onsite
Posted: Oct 9, 2026
Views: 1

✨ AI Summary

Impulse Space, a spacecraft manufacturing company, is hiring an Avionics Test Engineer (Digital/Optical) in Redondo Beach, California. The role focuses on optical communication testing, FPGA evaluation, and automation using Python and MATLAB. Candidates need a Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience in digital or optical test fields, with proficiency in lab instrumentation and hardware debugging. Benefits include stock options, medical coverage, and a 401(k) plan, with ITAR eligibility required.

We are seeking a highly capable Digital/Optical Test Engineer with hands-on experience working with optical devices, FPGA evaluation platforms, and automation scripting environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical troubleshooting skills, familiarity with hardware/software integration workflows, and the ability to develop automated test procedures using Python and MATLAB.
  • Perform integration and functional testing of optical communication or sensing devices
  • Set up, configure, and operate FPGA evaluation boards for system-level testing
  • Develop automated test scripts in Python and MATLAB for data acquisition, regression testing, and results analysis
  • Execute hardware bring-up, debug signal interfaces, and validate subsystem interoperability
  • Document test plans, test procedures, and test results with clarity and precision
  • Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, systems, and software teams to ensure seamless integration across components
  • Analyze measurement data, identify failure modes, and recommend corrective actions
  • Support lab infrastructure including optical benches, instrumentation, and test fixtures

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in the Digital/Optical Test field
  • Hands-on experience working with optical devices or optical communication systems
  • Familiarity with FPGA evaluation boards and basic FPGA system architecture
  • Proficiency in Python scripting for test automation and data processing
  • Experience using MATLAB for analysis, modeling, or automated test workflows
  • Strong understanding of lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, optical power meters, logic analyzers, etc.)
  • Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues effectively
  • Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

  • 3+ years of experience with optical transceivers, modulators, detectors, or related photonics hardware
  • Knowledge of FPGA toolchains (Vivado, Quartus) or embedded systems verification
  • Background in signal processing or testing signal-processing systems
  • Familiarity with version control systems and test automation frameworks
  • Experience in a startup or fast paced agile development environment


Additional Information:

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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About the Company

Name: impulsespace
Location: Not specified
Website: https://www.impulsespace.com

Our mission is to accelerate humanity's future in space through efficient transportation anywhere; GEO, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Impulse is the way to get your payload anywhere in space. Space is more accessible than ever, but efficiently moving payloads & satellites still remains a challenge. We alleviate this by building nimble, economical and powerful capabilities to access any orbit. At Impulse, we hire individuals with a record of demonstrated excellence, those who are always curious, and those fully committed to the mission. We are a team of innovators, willing to challenge the status quo and persevere through obstacles to achieve exceptional results. From engineers who helped build Falcon 1, to those who built the latest college FSAE vehicles (and everything in between); we pride ourselves on having a diverse skillset of technical depth. To achieve success for our customers - we are building Helios, a high-energy kick stage that will bring large payloads & satellites from LEO to GEO. We are also building Mira, a hosting and orbital transfer vehicle that is optimized to make the trip to and operate in LED & GEO. Space is hard, and we're here to make it easier for our customers. You will help build the tools and capability to do just that.

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