Hardware Test Engineer (Starlink)

About the role

SpaceX is leveraging its 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 and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide.

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As a Hardware Test Engineer on Starlink, you'll sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna engineering - ultimately ensuring that our satellite hardware can withstand the harsh environment of space and maintain communication with millions of users on a global scale.

You will spearhead the development and deployment of advanced, automated electrical test systems which span an array of technical domains, such as high-speed digital communications, network and power systems integration, RF engineering, avionics, networked computing, power electronics, failure investigation, on-orbit reliability assurance, and automated testing frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Work with a cross-discipline team including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to conceptualize and develop test systems used to test and validate flight hardware
• Define, document and present test system requirements, coverage, designs and operational strategies
• Design and produce test assets such as test racks, electrical panels, electrical test fixtures, harnessing, connectors, PCBAs, machinery, tools, processes, etc.
• Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
• Drive continual improvements to our designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both on-orbit and in production
• Utilize software tools (Python) to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, field data, and production documentation systems
• Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight
• Understand all products and processes that require the systems for which they have developed and/or are responsible for.
• Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems
• Ensure work is conducted and systems are designed/produced in compliance with appropriate safety requirements (UL, NFPA, ANSI, IEC, Etc.)

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering (internship experience is acceptable)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree
• Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
• Thorough understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
• Thorough understanding of electronics reliability and failure mechanisms
• Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++, TwinCAT)
• Experience with the testing and/or characterization of RF: components, circuits, PCBAs, antennas, systems, etc.
• Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)
• Thorough understanding and experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration and TVAC
• Experience with PLC hardware and/or software
• Experience with the design/deployment of functional safety systems
• Experience working with pressure, temperature and flow measurement devices
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
• Exceptional organizational, teamwork, and written/verbal communication skills to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Some roles may require working on an "on-call" basis on a weeklong rotational schedule (On-Orbit Reliability only)

Pay range

Hardware Test Engineer/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, stock options, 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.