Test Specialist (Starship Avionics)

About the role

The Components Test organization is a team of engineers, specialists, and technicians who provide the testing expertise needed to develop flight hardware for Starship launch and spacecraft systems, Falcon launch systems, Dragon spacecraft systems, and Starlink telecommunications satellites. The Starship Avionics Test team designs, builds, and maintains test systems that validate electronic devices on Starship to confirm their build integrity and ensure they can complete their mission as designed.

Test specialists are primarily responsible for building, operating, and maintaining test systems and facilities and play a key role in the design process by providing feedback to engineers on how the resources will be operated and maintained.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems
• Perform tests independently, or with engineers, according to test procedures and design requirements
• Summarize and distribute test data and preliminary test results to all interested parties
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document test procedures
• Develop safety barriers, protocols, and control systems that protect humans from high voltage testing hazards
• Assist in the design of test fixtures, test setups, and test stands to be used for qualification and/or development campaigns
• Independently fabricate or build any of the following in accordance to the defined specifications:
• Instrumentation including DAQ hardware and wire harnesses
• Mechanical or fluid systems
• High voltage electrical systems
• Identify and implement process improvements
• Support anomaly investigations and work toward resolution
• Assist in the tracking and servicing of critical calibrated instrumentation
• Maintain the shop floor including floor stock, tooling, and ground support equipment

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree with a focus in physics, mathematics, or engineering
• Ability to read and understand electromechanical schematics
• Knowledge of Ohm's Law, power supplies, digital logic, ADC/DAC circuits, op amps, semiconductors, and communications protocols
• Ability to read mechanical assembly drawings and blueprints
• Ability to install and operate instrumentation, including: strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, oscilloscopes and analog circuitry
• Ability to fabricate and repair electrical systems, including: soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors/harnesses
• Ability to fabricate mechanical components and assemblies, including: milling, drilling, turning, and torqueing
• Knowledge/experience operating basic machine shop equipment, including: sanders, grinders, saws, and benders
• Knowledge/experience with high voltage systems (AC and DC)
• Knowledge/experience working with electrical components, data acquisition systems, electrical harnessing, and similar

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Must be able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs. unassisted

Pay Range

• Level 1: $33.00 - $39.00
• Level 2: $37.00 - $44.00
• Level 3: $41.00 - $50.00

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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.