Development Test Engineer, Satellites
Job description
About the role
You will build and maintain hardware-in-the-loop test systems to support the Starlink satellite constellation. This role owns the creation of simulation environments and test infrastructure used to validate software for space laser networks, phased array antennas, and collision avoidance systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that testbeds remain reliable, scalable, and aligned with the software organization's continuous integration needs. The position requires you to design test cases that accurately mirror on-orbit conditions and environmental variables. You will analyze test data to resolve issues and prevent software defects from reaching production. This role balances test coverage, safety, and speed for all software deployments across the satellite stack. You will scale the test fleet to meet growing demands while maintaining strict standards for system integrity. Your work will directly support the reliability and performance of Starlink satellite operations from testing to deployment.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Design and manage hardware-in-the-loop testbeds and support equipment for continuous integration.
- Create test cases and simulations that mirror on-orbit conditions.
- Balance test coverage, safety, and speed for all software deployments.
- Scale the test fleet to meet the growing demands of the software organization.
- Analyze test data to resolve issues and prevent software defects from reaching production.
- Develop and maintain simulation environments for space laser networks, phased array antennas, and collision avoidance systems.
- Support validation of software functionality through rigorous test procedures and data review.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate test requirements into development workflows.
- Implement troubleshooting processes for test hardware, software, and infrastructure issues.
- Maintain documentation for test procedures, configurations, and results.
- Monitor system performance and identify opportunities for test optimization.
- Assist in the deployment of test infrastructure across multiple teams and projects.
- Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards for all test activities.
- Contribute to the improvement of testing methodologies and best practices.
Requirements
- Bachelor degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or a related engineering field.
- Minimum 1 year of professional testing experience in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
- Availability to work weekends, overtime, and all shifts as required.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex test procedures.
- Basic understanding of satellite communications and orbital mechanics concepts.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Nice to have
- Experience with RF, propulsion, electromechanical, or electrical system integration.
- Proficiency with test hardware including spectrum analyzers, DAQs, electronic loads, and oscilloscopes.
- 3D CAD design and modeling experience.
- Experience with PLCs.
- Familiarity with communication protocols such as SPI, USB, CAN bus, I2C, VISA, and Modbus.
- Knowledge of network configuration and OSI model layers 2-4.
- Background in data analysis, simulation software, unit testing, and performance debugging.
Skills & tools
- Electrical and mechanical systems testing
- Testbed infrastructure development
- Troubleshooting and debugging
- Simulation environment design
Practical notes
Compensation includes base salary, potential long-term incentives in stock or cash, discretionary bonuses, and an employee stock purchase plan. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ holidays. SpaceX provides shuttle service between select Seattle locations and the Redmond office. Reasonable accommodations for the application process are available upon request.
About the company
Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.