SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
HARDWARE TEST AUTOMATION ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we’re 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 with over 9,500 in-orbit 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 and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
As a Hardware Test Automation Engineer you will design, build, and automate test systems to support the development and qualification of satellite payloads, propulsion systems, mechanisms, and more. This role encompasses design, analysis, and manufacturing disciplines, with the ability to spearhead large-scope projects from early design through implementation. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – engineers on this team are curious, collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, document, and implement cross-functional automation solutions to improve test capability, coverage, and safety.
- Design and implement test and ground support equipment (GSE) to include flight hardware fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure, vacuum systems, etc.
- Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
- Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
- Provide innovative solutions to unique requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to difficult installation locations.
- Perform electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, transducers, etc.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 1+ years of experience automating test systems.
- 1+ years of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) system design, or electronics test engineering.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
- Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMM), DAQs, power supply, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, source measurement unit.
- Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
- Experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, DAQ setup and field measurements, build of electronic systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications.
- Extensive knowledge of various digital and analog interfaces including but not limited to: USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion.
- Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware.
- Experience with the design, build, and activation of fluids, thermal, vacuum, structural or electromechanical systems.
- Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis.
- Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team.
- Sound verbal and written communication skills.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed.
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.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- At least 1 year of experience automating test systems
- At least 1 year of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition system design, or electronics test engineering
- At least 1 year of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++
- Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, DAQs, power supplies, electronic loads, spectrum analyzers, or source measurement units
- Experience with programmable logic controllers
- Experience designing and building electronics test racks, DAQ setups, field measurements, or electronic and test systems
- Knowledge of digital and analog interfaces including USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion
- Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware
- Experience designing, building, and activating fluid, thermal, vacuum, structural, or electromechanical systems
- Understanding of metrology, measurement error sources, and uncertainty analysis
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of people
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Willingness to work weekends and extended hours as needed
- Must meet applicable ITAR authorization requirements
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
