Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

About the role

At SpaceX, we are leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide.

Our mission is to design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, including thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that integrates it all. We are just beginning to explore Starlink's potential global impact and are seeking top-tier engineers to help maximize its utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Development Test Engineer for Starlink, you will be responsible designing and building "hardware-in-the-loop" (HIL/HITL) test systems. These systems allow for Starlink software engineers to build technologies such as space laser mesh networks, next-generation phased array antennas, advanced collision avoidance algorithms, and much more.

You will be working with a multidisciplinary team on efforts such as constructing a platform to simulate the motion profile of mobile customers, performing end-to-end validation of the Starlink network, and simulating ion thruster functionality with/without vacuum. You will also be collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that we provide a highly-effective, user-friendly integrated test platform.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain highly reliable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds-including surrounding infrastructure, tooling, and support equipment-for the Starlink software continuous integration system.
• Develop test cases and create simulation environments that replicate on-orbit scenarios to deliver flight-like testing capabilities.
• Ensure all software has appropriate level of test coverage, balancing reliability, velocity and safety.
• Pioneer innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet in accordance with the Starlink software organization's growing test demands.
• Analyze and troubleshoot HITL test results to identify testbed issues and prevent software bugs from reaching production.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or propulsion systems.
• Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DAQs, electronic loads, and spectrum analyzers.
• Experience with 3D CAD software for design, modeling, and manufacturing applications.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Experience with communication protocols including USB, VISA, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, and Modbus.
• Experience configuring networks and troubleshooting layers 2-4 of the OSI-model.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, math, and physics.
• Experience with simulation software and data analysis.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Pay range

Level I: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year

Level II: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.