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 ENGINEER, HARDWARE TEST & AUTOMATION (OPTICAL PAYLOADS)
As a Software Engineer on the Starlink Integration & Test Team, your focus will be on developing integrated operations and automation for complex subassemblies and components that bring the Starlink Satellite to life. You will be responsible for systems that enable rapid development and accurate testing of Starlink software and hardware, with a continual focus on design, development, and building innovative test systems, from hardware designs to software infrastructure. Our engineers serve as software and hardware experts for the flight control devices and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our satellites - from attitude determination/control systems to Space Lasers and more. We design software and build systems that test flight components for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with mission success being imperative.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – engineers on this team are curious, and collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
- Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
- Develop software that allows test execution across multiple environments: hardware-in-the-loop (HITL, HIL) and virtualized hardware simulations
- Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
- Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
- Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
- Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to ensure reliable test systems are delivered to production
- Invent tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a bachelor's degree
- Development experience in C, C++, or Python
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Extensive knowledge of Linux/Windows operating systems, computer architecture and networks
- Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
- Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary production environment
- Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains
- Experience with configuration management, version control software, continuous integration, and agile development
- Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion
- Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests
- Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electro-mechanical systems and ground-support equipment
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner
- Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
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.
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 computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline
- 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a bachelor's degree
- Development experience in C, C++, or Python
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.
