Principal Hardware System Test Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We're looking for a hands-on Principal Engineer to lead the technical direction of our Test Bench Control System software platform. You will combine deep software engineering expertise with architectural ownership and product-level thinking to ensure our platform reliably supports integrated engine hot-fire testing — with an architecture that can extend to broader test and ground operations as the program matures. You will own the software platform that sits between test engineers and the real-time control layer: enabling operators to author, review, and deploy test sequences and configurable safety parameters onto PLC hardware — while providing the live data visualization, command interfaces, and traceability infrastructure that test campaigns depend on. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES In your capacity as a Principal Engineer, Test Systems Software you will: * Define and evolve the platform architecture spanning test sequence authoring, PLC configuration deployment, real-time data acquisition, and operator interfaces * Write production-grade code across the full stack while owning the technical roadmap and driving major architectural decisions * Translate test requirements and operational needs into feature specifications, managing scope and delivering incrementally toward operational capability * Build high-throughput data pipelines for real-time ingestion, processing, and visualization of high-rate sensor data * Design the full lifecycle for both operational sequences and configurable safety parameters * Define data acquisition standards including device configuration management and calibration traceability * Architect for high reliability, observability, and operational robustness in environments where software faults carry significant hardware and safety consequences * Collaborate with Test Bench Engineers, Propulsion, and Systems Engineering to align software capabilities with campaign requirements * Lead a multidisciplinary team of five — setting engineering standards, guiding code reviews and design reviews, and balancing development velocity with the rigorous quality bar required for safety-critical infrastructure WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU The ideal candidate will have: * 5+ years of professional software engineering experience with demonstrated architectural ownership and technical leadership * Strong backend expertise (e.g., Python, C#, or similar) with experience in real-time or near-real-time data processing pipelines * Experience with modern frontend technologies (TypeScript, Vue/React, WebSockets) for operator interfaces and live data dashboards * Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) for deploying and operating distributed service architectures * Deep understanding of distributed systems, API design, and inter-process communication in low-latency environments * Experience designing software systems that integrate with PLCs or similar real-time controllers — understanding the boundaries between deterministic control and higher-level application logic * Familiarity with test bench infrastructure — instrumentation systems, sensor networks, command/response workflows, and procedural automation * Strong grasp of safety-critical software design: deterministic execution, fail-safe defaults, configuration validation, and safe deployment practices in systems where errors carry hardware consequences * Product ownership mindset with strong analytical thinking, technical judgment, and attention to detail * Motivation to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with high accountability for system readiness Bonus qualifications: * Experience in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical domains — particularly propulsion test operations or environmental test systems * Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT or IEC 61131-3 programming * Knowledge of data acquisition hardware and software ecosystems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Measurement Computing) * Experience with hardware interface protocols and device communication (e.g., serial, CAN, Ethernet-based industrial protocols) Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

About Graphcore At Graphcore, we’re building the future of AI compute.We’re a team of semiconductor, software and AI experts, with deep experience in creating the complete AI compute stack - from silicon and software to infrastructure at datacenter scale.As part of the SoftBank Group, backed by significant long-term investment, we are delivering key technology into the fast-growing SoftBank AI ecosystem.To meet the vast and exciting AI opportunity, Graphcore is expanding its teams around the world.We are bringing together the brightest minds to solve the toughest problems, in a place where everyone has the opportunity to make an impact on the company, our products and the future of artificial intelligence. Job Summary    We are looking for an experienced Silicon Test Engineer to join our Product Test and Diagnosis Department (PTD).  This is a pivotal role and will involve building a team of engineers to develop System Level Test (SLT) capability within the company. Working closely with a cross-functional team you will implement SLT tests for a family of next generation AI Processors.   The ideal candidate should have a focus on quality and demonstrate a good understanding of the importance of production test on the success of a product.  They will have a proven Functional Test or ATE Test Engineering background, and will have a pragmatic, hands-on and flexible approach to a fast-changing environment.    The Team   The Product Test and Diagnostics team’s role is to detect and manage hardware defects that arise from the manufacture and use of our products. This covers chips, boards and finished systems and takes place both in the manufacturing sites and in the field.     Responsibilities and Duties    * Managing a team of engineers to implement SLT test solutions for a multi-die AI Processor product  * Working with the Silicon, Test and DFT teams to define manufacturing test solutions  * Working with key industry leaders to develop an SLT system capable of meeting the products needs  * Understanding of top, and board level DFT strategies within a 3D, multi-die product  * Understanding of implementation details for an Incoming Quality Inspection (IQC) stage, and the inter-department complexities  * Defining test fixtures for SLT Test Solutions: Structural and functional test equipment, interface PCBs, sockets, cooling systems, etc  * Writing Production, Engineering and Characterisation Test Programs on Advanced SLT platforms  * Working with other departments to balance test coverage and fault detection across all test stages in the flow; ATE, board, blade, and in-field test  * Correlation to bench measurements  * Transferring test solutions to the offshore vendors, as part of an NPI release   * Work collaboratively with other engineering teams to ensure successful silicon, and board bring-up and help identify any silicon failures to enhance yield learning and improvement    Candidate Profile     Essential:    * A pragmatic approach, the ability to improvise, pitch in, and get the job done  * Experience in production test of large digital devices  * Very good knowledge of digital integrated circuits and advanced test techniques  * Very good understanding of DFT components such as (i)JTAG (IEEE 1149.x), BIST, MBIST, etc  * Understanding of functional test of complex systems  * Experience in transferring to volume manufacture to OSATs and Contract Manufacturers  * Ability to work within high pressure cross-department and cross-company teams  * Ability to mentor junior members of the team  * Strong scripting and debugging skills using programming languages like Python, TCL, Perl, Shell etc  * Degree level qualifications in electronics or a related field  * Good communication skills    Desirable    * Proven competence on SLT testers  * Experience of thermal control of high-power devices in a production environment.  Benefits In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing and financial future. Our benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, commuter benefits, wellness services and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we're committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.