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.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)
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 Software Development Test Engineer for Starlink, you will be responsible for 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 test industrial ground antennas, high-power amplifiers, ground-to-space lasers, and more. 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 an 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 software, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
- 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering
- Development experience in Python
- Experience in CI/CD pipeline development
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or high voltage 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 working with networking hardware 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
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 software, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline
- 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering
- Development experience in Python
- Experience in CI/CD pipeline development
- Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed
- ITAR eligibility: must be U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, Asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
- Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or high voltage 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 working with networking hardware and troubleshooting OSI layers 2-4
- 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
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
