Software Integration Engineer - HIL

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

Description

Reusable launch systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. We are looking for a multidisciplined Software Integration Engineer - HIL to join our software integration team. This role is the translation layer between our Vehicle Software team, the rest of the physical vehicle (avionics, engines, fluids, etc.), and our vehicle operators. You won't just be writing software and managing configurations - you'll be hands-on bringing hardware to life. One day you might be writing scripts to manage fleet configurations, and the next you will be physically building out HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) racks or designing the architecture for a new checkout cart to get Nova to the pad.

If you enjoy the continuum from physical hardware state to the software stack that controls it and interfacing with the teams that build both, this is the role for you. As we push aggressively toward the first launch of Nova, our 100% reusable rocket, you will be joining a fast-paced, hardware-rich environment where extreme ownership is expected, rapid iteration is a daily reality, and your work directly impacts our mission to achieve daily space flight.

Responsibilities

• Own the lifecycle and software configuration of our HIL and ground support equipment (GSE) to ensure seamless integration across our unified Vehicle Software stack
• Develop automated systems to track hardware deployments and dynamically generate standardized software configurations across the fleet
• Partner with hardware teams to design, build, and integrate GSE racks and checkout carts for test and launch operations
• Write software that interfaces directly with physical ground infrastructure, including automating networks, ground computers, DAQs, and power supplies
• Act as the technical bridge between software and hardware disciplines, executing hands-on checkouts and troubleshooting anomalies to get Nova to the pad
• Support hardware teams and help the Vehicle Software team prioritize feature requests based on their needs

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional experience in software development, hardware integration, or systems engineering
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Proficient in software-based configuration management and modern software operations
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware integration, test equipment, and rack setup
• Experience managing and tracking a fleet of hardware deployments across multiple test and operational environments
• Networking foundation, including TCP/IP, routing, subnetting, and configuring managed switches
• Demonstrated ability to write software in systems languages, particularly Rust, within a Linux environment
• Strong systems-thinking approach with the ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical anomalies from the software layer down to the physical hardware

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous systems 
• Experience in technical project management or leading cross-functional engineering initiatives 
• Prior experience building and operating HIL test environments or executing avionics checkouts for aerospace or autonomous vehicles 
• Familiarity with hardware communication protocols (CAN, RS422/485, LVDS), PLCs, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems 
• Experience reading, understanding, and creating technical documentation, system diagrams, and/or electrical schematics 

Benefits

• Equity - We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. 
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Company-paid life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) plan with employer match 
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off  
• Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) 
• Paid Family/Parental Leave  
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) 
• Dog friendly offices! 

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 1 Range: $98,805 - $148,155
• Level 2 Range: $123,480 - $185,220
• Level 3 Range: $154,350 - $231,525

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity 

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status.  It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII.   It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring. 

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company.  Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations.  Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [email protected]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here. 

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. 

For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.