Instrumentation Engineer

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Nominal is building the software infrastructure powering the world’s most advanced hardware systems — from spacecraft and autonomous vehicles to next-generation industrial machines. Our platform ingests high‑rate telemetry, validates complex autonomy software in real time, and enables engineers to iterate faster without sacrificing safety or precision. We’re a small, fast‑moving team of engineers and operators who own problems end‑to‑end, work across disciplines, and thrive on challenges at the intersection of hardware and software.

• Develop & Deploy:
  Write Python-based software to interface with customer test stand instruments using SCPI, PyVISA, PySerial, and NI‑DAQmx.
• Integrate Systems:
  Automate data collection and control processes for a wide range of aerospace and defense test environments.
• Support Critical Missions:
  Work directly with customers to ensure their test setups are optimized and fully operational.
• Problem Solve in Real Time:
  Troubleshoot hardware‑software interfaces in dynamic, high‑stakes environments.
• Shape the Future:
  Define best practices for integrating Connect with real‑world hardware, directly influencing Nominal’s product roadmap.

• Hands‑on Hardware
  
  Experience:
  
  Comfortable working with data acquisition systems (DAQs), flight computers, and test stand instruments.
• Software Proficiency:
  Strong Python skills, with experience in VISA, SCPI, Serial communication, and systems‑level programming (C or Rust).
• Engineering Mindset:
  Able to read hardware manuals, interpret communication protocols, and implement effective software solutions.
• Problem Solver:
  Thrive in dynamic environments where troubleshooting and persistence are key.
• Technical Communication:
  Ability to translate complex system requirements into clear, actionable solutions.
• Experience with Commercial Test Tools:
  Familiarity with LabVIEW, Flex Logger, or Veristand (nice‑to‑have).
• Experience in High‑Performance Environments:
  Background in propulsion test stands, flight testing, or experimental physics labs.
• College Engineering Leadership:
  Former lead of solar car, F1 racing, or robotics teams.

• 🏥 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 🏖️ Unlimited PTO and sick leave
• 🍽️ Free lunch, snacks, and coffee
• 🚀 Professional Development Stipend
• ✈️ Annual company retreats

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157, or an asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

The base pay range for this role is $120,000 – $230,000 per year.

• Seniority level:
  Entry level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries:
  Software Development

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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