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EraDrive · 1 day ago

Hardware and Embedded Test Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

EraDrive is focused on revolutionizing spaceflight through autonomy, developing software and hardware that allow spacecraft to operate with minimal human intervention. The Hardware and Embedded Test Engineer will be responsible for owning the testbeds that validate the company's autonomy and AI-driven perception systems, ensuring they function correctly under real-world conditions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)MilitarySatellite Communication

Responsibilities

Own setup and operation of optical stimulation and hardware in the loop testbeds used to validate image processing, optical navigation, and AI/ML-based perception algorithms

Integrate and bring up cameras, star trackers, crosslink radios, and flight-like processors, including cabling, configuration, and diagnostics

Develop and maintain embedded software in C or C++ for sensor interfaces, timing, data capture, and test automation

Design and run repeatable test campaigns, including calibration procedures, performance sweeps, and long duration robustness tests for both classical and learned components

Build tools for logging, replay, and analysis of test data, working closely with autonomy and software engineers to diagnose issues in perception and navigation

Maintain the reliability and safety of lab setups, including documentation, checklists, and basic hardware maintenance

Feed real world findings back into the design of algorithms, AI/ML models, and software architectures so the full stack reflects hardware realities

Qualification

Embedded systemsC/C++ programmingHardware in the loopOptical test setupsDebugging skillsBasic mechanical designClear communicationDocumentation habits

Required

Hands on experience with embedded systems or robotics, including sensor bring up and low level software

Proficiency in C or C++, with a focus on deterministic, timing aware code

Comfort working with lab equipment, such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, camera mounts, and motion rigs

Experience setting up or operating hardware in the loop or system level test environments

Strong debugging instincts across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries

Clear communication and documentation habits, so others can rely on your setups

Preferred

Experience with optical test setups, camera calibration, or photometric calibration

Experience with the design and characterization of optical imaging systems

Experience deploying or testing ML models on embedded or GPU-equipped edge devices

Experience in implementing networked systems consisting of multiple discrete agents

Basic mechanical design skills, for example in CAD, for fixtures and mounts

Prior work on aerospace, automotive, or other safety critical systems

Company

EraDrive

EraDrive is a startup specializing in autonomous spacecraft navigation and collision avoidance.

Founded in 2025

Palo Alto, California, USA

2-10 employees

https://www.eradrive.space/#hero

Funding

Current Stage

Early Stage

Total Funding

$6.23M

Key Investors

Haystack

2025-12-16Seed· $6.23M

Leadership Team

Sumant Sharma

Chief Executive Officer

Justin Kruger

Chief Technology Officer

Company data provided by crunchbase