Software Engineer, Components

About the role

This position supports the Starshield program, which utilizes Starlink technology to provide satellite-based communications, earth observation, and payload hosting for national security. You will join the Starshield Test team to build the software infrastructure required to validate flight hardware and control devices. The role involves creating robust software solutions that ensure the reliability and performance of critical test systems. You will be responsible for developing the automation frameworks that drive hardware verification and validation. This position is integral to the success of mission-critical testing operations. Your work will directly impact the readiness of hardware used in sensitive environments. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers and systems integrators. The position demands a high level of ownership and initiative in solving complex technical problems.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create modular and reusable automation software using Python or similar languages for manufacturing and design verification.
• Build software interfaces to communicate with flight hardware, instrumentation, and production documentation systems.
• Develop custom automation tools that integrate embedded electronics with hardware.
• Design algorithms to process test data and confirm components meet acceptance standards.
• Troubleshoot automation infrastructure and collaborate with other teams to identify root causes of failures.
• Manage project milestones and hold reviews to ensure production-ready test systems.
• Implement logging and monitoring solutions to track system performance and health.
• Maintain and enhance existing codebases to improve scalability and reliability.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define and refine test requirements.
• Optimize test execution to reduce cycle time and increase throughput.
• Document software architectures and processes for knowledge transfer and compliance.
• Support the deployment of software updates in controlled test environments.
• Validate software functionality against strict quality and safety standards.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of testing methodologies and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in engineering, computer science, math, or a STEM field, or at least 2 years of professional software development experience.
• Experience developing in Python, C, or C++, or professional experience in full stack development.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Willingness to comply with ITAR regulations and export control laws.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workloads efficiently.
• Commitment to following strict documentation and procedural requirements.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as required by project timelines.
• Understanding of secure software development practices and principles.
• Readiness to participate in on-call rotations for critical system support.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in Linux and Windows environments.
• Experience with version control, configuration management, agile development, and continuous integration.
• Background in automating processes to increase manufacturing yields.
• Familiarity with control feedback loop design and numerical analysis or signal processing.
• Knowledge of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion.
• Experience with spacecraft fluid systems, high power electrical systems, electro-mechanical systems, or embedded hardware development.

Skills & tools

• Python, C, C++
• Linux, Windows
• Automation and test infrastructure
• Embedded electronics
• Digital and analog communication protocols

Practical notes

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Compensation: Level 1 ($125,000 - $150,000) or Level 2 ($145,000 - $175,000) depending on experience.

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Additional incentives include company stock, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Expect to work extended hours and weekends as required.
• Active security clearance holders may work on sensitive missions and will be subject to drug and alcohol testing.