Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design Manager

Company: ispace, inc.

Location: Englewood, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-time (Regular)

Category: Software Engineering Management / Test & Simulation

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary software teams focused on developing mission-critical systems for lunar landers, spacecraft, and satellite platforms.

• Drive the architecture, development, integration, and deployment of flight software (FSW), ground software (GSW), and mission operations software.

• Develop and maintain real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Closed-Loop Integration (CIL) test environments, including automated test, simulation, and regression frameworks.

• Champion agile methodologies and foster a culture of continuous improvement, scalable engineering processes, and high performance within the software development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the aerospace industry, specifically focusing on lunar exploration technology. While the core responsibilities are in software engineering management and test design, the operations context is derived from the application of these skills to mission-critical space systems, including flight software, ground operations, and simulation environments. This implies a need for robust process management, rigorous testing, and adherence to high-reliability engineering standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams across Flight Software, Ground Software, Mission Operations Software, Automated Test & Verification, and Simulation/Integration.

• Drive the architecture, development, integration, and deployment of mission-critical software for lunar landers, spacecraft, and satellite platforms, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.

• Develop and maintain real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Closed-Loop Integration (CIL) test environments; maintain automated test, simulation, and regression frameworks to ensure system reliability.

• Oversee software integration across complex systems including avionics, sensors, flight computers, communication systems, and mission operations infrastructure, leveraging tools like MATLAB/Simulink, NI LabVIEW/VeriStand/TestStand, and Speedgoat systems.

• Establish and enforce scalable software architectures, implement CI/CD pipelines, define code review standards, and track quality metrics across the organization to enhance development efficiency and product quality.

• Champion and implement agile methodologies, including sprint planning, backlog management, and incremental delivery, to promote flexibility and responsiveness in project execution.

• Partner closely with Systems, Avionics, GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), Hardware, Integration & Test (I&T), and Mission Operations teams to support mission readiness, resolve anomalies, and contribute to post-launch operations.

• Mentor and develop engineers, build high-performing teams, and contribute to accurate resource estimation, risk identification, and detailed schedule planning for software development projects.

• Embody and promote ispace values: Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability, fostering a positive and productive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, team management, and hands-on system integration within an aerospace context. The emphasis on HIL/CIL environments, specific tools (MATLAB/Simulink, NI suite), and cross-functional collaboration points to a role that requires deep understanding of the aerospace software development lifecycle and its associated testing and verification processes. The mention of ITAR/EAR requirements suggests a need for awareness of export control regulations in software development and data sharing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive software engineering experience in demanding industries such as aerospace, defense, robotics, or other high-reliability sectors, with a proven track record of delivering complex software solutions.

Required Skills:

• Hands-on proficiency in C/C++ and Python, crucial for embedded systems development and scripting.

• Expertise in Linux operating systems, essential for development and deployment environments.

• Strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and control system design.

• Practical experience with National Instruments (NI) software and hardware, including LabVIEW, VeriStand, and TestStand, for test automation and HIL/CIL system development.

• Familiarity with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks or RTEMS, vital for embedded flight software.

• Deep understanding of real-time embedded systems, distributed architectures, and the full software lifecycle for Flight Software (FSW) and Ground Software (GSW).

• Proven experience architecting and implementing real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems and Closed-Loop Integration (CIL) test environments.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and refine engineering best practices, including code quality standards, review processes, and metrics tracking.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with lunar, deep-space, or satellite constellation programs, providing domain-specific context.

• Knowledge of NASA software standards and established aerospace development lifecycles (e.g., DO-178C principles).

• Background in safety-critical industries (aerospace, automotive, defense), ensuring a strong understanding of rigorous development and testing requirements.

• Experience supporting environmental testing, launch campaigns, or on-console mission operations, offering practical operational insights.

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically or internationally up to 20% of the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in embedded software, simulation, and testing tools, combined with proven leadership and management capabilities. The preference for aerospace-specific experience and knowledge of safety-critical systems highlights the demanding nature of the role and the importance of domain expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of leading teams in the successful development and deployment of complex software systems, with a focus on reliability and performance.

• Showcase examples of implemented automated testing frameworks, HIL/CIL environments, and simulation setups that significantly improved product quality or reduced testing cycles.

• Provide case studies illustrating the architecture and implementation of scalable software systems, including CI/CD pipelines and robust code review processes.

Process Documentation:

• Documented experience in designing and optimizing software development workflows, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance.

• Evidence of implementing and managing automated testing and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

• Proven ability to create and maintain comprehensive documentation for complex software systems, including architecture diagrams, test plans, and user guides.

• Examples of establishing and tracking metrics for software quality, team performance, and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in software and simulation test design, a portfolio should emphasize leadership in process development and execution. Candidates are expected to showcase not just individual technical contributions but also their ability to build and manage teams that deliver robust, well-tested systems. The focus on HIL/CIL, agile, and CI/CD indicates a need for evidence of modern software development and testing practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $126,000 - $189,000 per year

Benefits:

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees, ensuring robust healthcare support.

• Hybrid Work: Flexible work arrangement allowing for a blend of remote and in-office work, adapting to role requirements and program stages.

• Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail, promoting sustainable and cost-effective commuting.

• Lunch Perks: A monthly stipend to enjoy meals from the company café, contributing to employee well-being and convenience.

• Paid Time Off: Generous allotment of 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays, supporting work-life balance and employee rejuvenation.

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, aiding long-term financial planning.

• Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel, offering professional development and project engagement experiences.

• Stock Options: Participation in the company's stock option program, aligning employee success with company growth.

• Learning & Development: Ample opportunities for professional growth, including lunch-and-learn sessions, skills training, and stipends for external professional development.

• Team Culture: A fun and casual work environment with regular team gatherings and monthly engagement events designed to foster connection and camaraderie.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility often accommodating project needs and individual work styles within a hybrid framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a management role in the aerospace software sector in the Denver metropolitan area, reflecting the required experience and technical expertise. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional development, which are attractive to experienced professionals in high-skill industries. The inclusion of stock options and travel opportunities further enhances the overall compensation and role appeal.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Space Exploration & Transportation. ispace is at the forefront of commercial lunar exploration, providing cost-effective lunar transportation solutions and pioneering a future where space is more accessible for scientific discovery and commercial ventures.

Company Size: While specific employee numbers for the US branch aren't provided, ispace globally is a rapidly growing company with locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States. This suggests a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment where roles can evolve quickly.

Founded: ispace was founded in 2010, indicating a mature yet innovative company with a clear vision and established history in the space sector.

Team Structure:

• The Software & Simulation Test Design Manager will lead multidisciplinary teams, including Flight Software, Ground Software, Mission Operations Software, Automated Test & Verification, and Simulation/Integration specialists.

• This role likely involves collaboration with cross-functional engineering departments such as Systems, Avionics, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Hardware, and Integration & Test (I&T).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes the use of metrics and data to drive software quality and team performance.

• Agile Development: Championing agile methodologies like sprint planning and backlog management indicates a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement.

• Scalable Engineering Processes: The mandate to establish scalable architectures and processes points to a forward-thinking approach to growth and efficiency within the engineering function.

• Collaboration & Integration: Strong emphasis on partnering with other engineering disciplines for seamless integration and mission success.

Company Website: https://www.ispace-inc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ispace's mission-driven culture, focused on lunar exploration, attracts individuals passionate about space. The growth trajectory of the company suggests opportunities for individuals to contribute significantly and grow with the organization. The emphasis on collaboration across diverse engineering functions is critical for success in complex aerospace projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a management level role, overseeing specialized software and simulation teams within the aerospace sector. It requires a combination of deep technical expertise and proven leadership capabilities, placing it at a senior or principal individual contributor/managerial level within the engineering hierarchy.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design will report to a Director or VP of Engineering, overseeing a team of engineers and technical leads. This role interfaces extensively with other engineering departments, including Systems, Avionics, GNC, Hardware, and Mission Operations.

Operations Impact: The software and simulation systems developed under this manager's guidance are critical for the success of ispace's lunar landers, spacecraft, and satellite platforms. This directly impacts mission reliability, safety, and operational efficiency, contributing to the company's core objective of cost-effective lunar transportation and redefining space exploration.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like real-time embedded systems, advanced simulation technologies, or specific aerospace software standards.

• Leadership Development: Progression into more senior management roles, potentially overseeing larger engineering departments or entire software divisions, with increased strategic responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunity to lead initiatives that span multiple engineering disciplines, contributing to broader company strategy in areas like system architecture or mission readiness.

• Industry Influence: Contributing to cutting-edge lunar exploration projects offers the chance to build a reputation in a rapidly evolving and high-impact industry.

• Mentorship: Developing and mentoring junior and senior engineers, fostering the next generation of aerospace software professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a rapidly growing and innovative space exploration company. The combination of technical depth and leadership responsibility provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth in a highly specialized and impactful industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Englewood, Colorado, within a hybrid work environment. This suggests a modern office setting designed to support collaboration, with amenities that cater to employee well-being.

Office Location(s): Englewood, Colorado. This location provides access to a skilled engineering workforce and is part of the broader Denver metropolitan area, known for its growing aerospace and technology sectors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional partnerships suggest a workspace that encourages interaction and teamwork, both in-person and remotely.

• Technology-Rich: Access to advanced simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, NI suite), HIL/CIL infrastructure, and development environments necessary for cutting-edge aerospace software engineering.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, lunch-and-learns, and monthly engagement events are designed to foster strong team cohesion and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature of the role offers some flexibility in managing work hours and location, balancing project demands with personal needs, particularly for tasks that do not require constant on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model combined with a focus on team culture and employee well-being indicates a modern workplace designed to attract and retain top talent in the competitive aerospace engineering field.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your technical expertise in software engineering, embedded systems, simulation, testing methodologies, and specific tools (C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, NI LabVIEW/VeriStand). Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving exercises.

• Management & Leadership Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, team management experience, ability to mentor engineers, and strategic approach to process development and improvement. Questions will probe your experience with agile methodologies, CI/CD, and establishing engineering best practices.

• Cross-Functional/Team Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential peers and stakeholders from other engineering disciplines (Systems, Avionics, GNC) to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural fit within ispace's values.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic vision, and potential impact on the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Focus on projects where you led teams to achieve significant milestones in software development, testing, or simulation. Quantify achievements with metrics such as cycle time reduction, defect rate decrease, or successful mission support.

• Showcase Process Innovation: Present examples of how you implemented or improved development processes, such as introducing agile practices, establishing robust CI/CD pipelines, or developing effective HIL/CIL environments.

• Detail Technical Solutions: For relevant projects, provide a high-level overview of the system architecture, the specific technologies used (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, NI tools, RTOS), and the challenges overcome.

• Demonstrate Team Development: Include examples of how you mentored engineers, built high-performing teams, and fostered a culture of continuous learning and accountability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Exercise: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing or improving a software development or testing process for a new space system, considering scalability, reliability, and agile principles.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving technical disagreements, or balancing competing project priorities.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Review common challenges in real-time embedded systems, HIL/CIL setup, and spacecraft software integration. Be ready to articulate your approach to diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, assessing both technical depth and leadership acumen. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates leadership in process development, team management, and technical execution within aerospace or similar high-reliability industries will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: C/C++, Python are essential for embedded systems development, scripting, and automation.

• Development Environments: Proficiency with Linux is critical. Familiarity with RTOS environments like VxWorks or RTEMS is highly advantageous for flight software development.

• Modeling & Simulation: Extensive experience with MATLAB/Simulink is expected for control systems design, modeling, and simulation.

• Test & Automation: Strong expertise in National Instruments (NI) software and hardware is a core requirement, including LabVIEW for graphical programming, VeriStand for real-time simulation, and TestStand for test sequence management.

• Hardware Integration: Experience with systems like Speedgoat for real-time HIL simulation is probable.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics: Experience in defining and tracking software quality metrics, team performance indicators, and project delivery KPIs.

• CI/CD Tools: Familiarity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and associated tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps) for automated builds, testing, and deployments.

• Code Review Tools: Utilization of tools for code review and static analysis to ensure code quality and adherence to standards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how ground software and mission operations interact with data management systems is beneficial.

• Spacecraft Protocols: Familiarity with industry-standard protocols such as CCSDS (Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems), cFS (Core Flight System), or DDS (Data Distribution Service) is highly relevant for mission operations and inter-system communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on aerospace-grade software development, real-time systems, and rigorous testing methodologies. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency with a specific set of tools and technologies critical for developing and validating mission-critical software for space applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives to drive innovation, especially crucial in a field pushing technological boundaries.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of work, critical for safety-critical systems.

• Respect: Fostering an environment of mutual respect among team members, crucial for effective collaboration.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals, essential for complex aerospace projects.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and commitments, ensuring reliable delivery of software and systems.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where the software team works closely with Systems, Avionics, GNC, Hardware, and Mission Operations to ensure seamless integration and mission success.

• Process Improvement Culture: A willingness to continuously evaluate and improve development and testing processes, encouraging feedback and iterative refinement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports open communication and the sharing of technical knowledge and best practices, likely through regular team meetings, code reviews, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are directly aligned with building high-performing teams for complex, mission-critical projects. The emphasis on collaboration and accountability is vital for successful execution in the aerospace industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Space Systems: Managing the development of software for mission-critical systems that operate in extreme environments and have zero tolerance for failure.

• Rapid Development Cycles: Balancing rigorous testing and quality assurance with the fast-paced demands of a growing company in a cutting-edge industry.

• Cross-Functional Dependencies: Coordinating complex integrations and dependencies with multiple engineering disciplines, each with their own specialized requirements and timelines.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying abreast of advancements in software development, simulation technologies, and aerospace standards to ensure ispace remains at the forefront.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Simulation & Testing: Deepening expertise in cutting-edge HIL/CIL technologies, real-time systems, and advanced validation techniques relevant to space missions.

• Aerospace Software Standards: Gaining in-depth knowledge of industry-specific standards, such as NASA software standards or safety-critical development principles (e.g., DO-178C).

• Leadership and Management: Developing advanced leadership skills through mentorship, formal training, and the experience of managing complex projects and diverse teams.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to engage with the broader aerospace community through conferences, workshops, and project collaborations, potentially including domestic and international travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in pioneering space technology, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and impact, leveraging the company's innovative mission and supportive development environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a team through a major software development challenge or project failure. What did you learn, and how did you implement those lessons going forward?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and process improvement).

• "How would you establish and maintain a robust CI/CD pipeline for mission-critical flight software, considering the need for extreme reliability and rigorous testing?" (Assess understanding of modern DevOps practices in a safety-critical context).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about ispace's mission to redefine lunar exploration, and how does your leadership style align with our values of Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability?" (Assess cultural fit and mission alignment).

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment between software development teams and other engineering disciplines like Avionics, GNC, and Systems?" (Probe collaboration skills and cross-functional communication strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to tell a story of leadership and impact. Start with high-level achievements and then drill down into specific examples of process improvements, team development, and technical solutions.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of your work (e.g., "Reduced testing time by 30%," "Improved code coverage from 70% to 95%," "Successfully launched X mission-critical software components").

• Focus on Process & Methodology: For each project, clearly articulate the development and testing methodologies used (agile, waterfall, hybrid), the challenges faced, and how you, as a leader, navigated them. Highlight your role in implementing or refining these processes.

• Tailor to ispace: Emphasize projects that involved complex embedded systems, real-time simulation, or rigorous verification and validation, especially if they have parallels to aerospace or high-reliability applications. Show how your skills align with ispace's specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical leadership, process management expertise, and a deep understanding of the aerospace software development lifecycle, particularly concerning testing and simulation in high-reliability environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Manager, Software & Simulation Test Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.lever.co.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in software engineering management, HIL/CIL environments, agile methodologies, and specific technologies like C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, and NI LabVIEW/VeriStand. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility and clearly articulate your achievements with quantifiable results.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that demonstrate leadership in software development, test automation, simulation environments, and team building. Focus on case studies that showcase process improvements, technical challenges overcome, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to present these concisely and effectively.

• Research ispace: Familiarize yourself with ispace's mission, lunar exploration projects, and company values. Understand their technological approach and the challenges they aim to solve. This will help you tailor your responses and showcase your genuine interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions related to embedded systems, real-time testing, and software architecture, as well as behavioral questions focusing on leadership, team management, and problem-solving. Practice articulating your experience and portfolio highlights clearly and confidently.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.