Senior Systems Verification and Validation (V&V) Specialist
Kepler Communications
Key Responsibilities:
- Own verification and validation strategies for spacecraft system-level requirements, including full requirement traceability, closure planning, and test matrix development
- Lead the design, implementation, and improvement of automated test architectures and data analysis pipelines (Python, GitLab CI/CD, DevOps workflows)
- Lead development, maintenance, and resource management of V&V infrastructure, including Hardware-in-the-Loop testing systems, and flight-representative development and/or engineering setups (e.g. ‘Flatsat’)
- Direct the execution of functional, electrical, and system-level tests, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and operational environments
- Lead environmental test campaigns (EMI/EMC, vibration, TVAC), including authoring procedures, coordinating execution, and ensuring requirement closure
- Provide technical leadership for launch campaign validation activities and represent SVV at the launch site
- Operate, maintain, and train others on advanced diagnostic and test equipment (solar array simulators, VNAs, high-precision power analyzers, etc.)
- Represent the SVV function in technical reviews, program-level discussions, and customer-facing forums
- Drive continuous improvement of V&V processes, methodologies, and tools across the organization
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical guidance, peer review, and strategic direction for their development
- Author and deliver technical documentation, training materials, and presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners
- Ability to work in a lab or cleanroom environment
- Ability to travel as required to support testing and launch activities
- Ability to do shift work and, where necessary, weekend work during specific test campaigns
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Software Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of relevant experience with increasing technical scope and leadership
- Deep understanding of the verification and validation lifecycle, including requirement decomposition
- Deep understanding of engineering disciplines such as vehicle electrical systems, avionics, and production-level software
- Proficiency with system test equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, power & signal analyzers etc.)
- Demonstrated expertise in developing automated test environments, test libraries, or hardware-in-the-loop verification systems
- Significant experience with environmental test planning and facility operations (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC)
- Proven ability to lead troubleshooting efforts across disciplines and provide solutions to complex system-level issues
- Experience leading projects and mentoring teams, with the ability to influence program-level technical decisions
- Experience working in ISO-8 cleanroom environments and lower
Bonus Points:
- Deep understanding of spacecraft electrical systems (EPS, solar arrays, batteries), avionics architectures, and flight software
- Proficiency with spacecraft-specific test equipment, such as solar array simulators, vacuum & thermal chambers, etc.
- Advanced scripting and automation experience (Python, GitLab CI/CD, DevOps workflows)
- Strong knowledge of verification standards (ECSS, NASA, RPUG) and test protocols
- Expertise in requirement management tools and test configuration control systems
