Hardware Test Automation Engineer, Satellites

About the role

Become a vital member of the Starlink team, where you will contribute to the development and enhancement of the largest satellite broadband network in the world. In this position, you will be responsible for designing and automating testing systems for various satellite components, including payloads, propulsion systems, and mechanical hardware. Your work will play a crucial role in supporting high-volume production and ensuring thorough qualification of these systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and document comprehensive automation frameworks aimed at enhancing test coverage and ensuring safety protocols are met.
• Design and create ground support equipment, which includes vacuum systems, fixtures for flight hardware, and the necessary infrastructure for facilities.
• Build user-friendly interfaces for complex equipment to facilitate easier troubleshooting and operational efficiency.
• Produce detailed electrical, fluid, and pneumatic schematics to support various engineering tasks.
• Install and configure electrical components such as transducers, valves, limit switches, and potentiometers to ensure proper functionality.
• Tackle unique engineering challenges that arise from specialized equipment and challenging installation environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration of test systems with existing hardware.
• Conduct thorough testing and validation of automated systems to confirm they meet design specifications and performance criteria.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required.
• At least one year of hands-on experience in the automation of test systems is essential.
• A minimum of one year of experience working with data acquisition systems, electronics test engineering, or instrumentation is necessary.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex engineering challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience programming in languages such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB for automation tasks is preferred.
• Familiarity with electrical test equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, spectrum analyzers, and source measurement units.
• Background in working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is advantageous.
• Knowledge of designing electronics test racks, setting up data acquisition systems, or assembling industrial systems is a plus.
• Understanding of digital and analog interfaces, including CAN bus, TCP/IP, USB, VISA, SPI, I2C, and analog-to-digital conversion processes.
• Experience in troubleshooting interactions between hardware and software systems.
• Familiarity with the design and activation of thermal, vacuum, structural, or electromechanical systems is beneficial.
• A solid grasp of metrology, measurement error, and uncertainty analysis will be considered an asset.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and C/C++.
• Experienced with data acquisition systems (DAQ) and programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Skilled in using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMM), and spectrum analyzers for testing and validation.
• Capable of designing electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics to support engineering projects.

Practical notes

• Compensation for this role is structured based on experience, with Level I positions offering between $105,000 and $120,000, and Level II positions ranging from $115,000 to $145,000.
• The benefits package includes stock options, discretionary bonuses, a 401(k) plan, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and more than ten holidays throughout the year.
• Transportation options include company shuttles that operate from select locations in Seattle to the Redmond office, making commuting more convenient.
• Due to U.S. export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to be eligible for this position.

Join SpaceX and be part of a team that is redefining the future of satellite communications. Your expertise in hardware test automation will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the Starlink mission.

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.