Test Specialist, Components

About the role

This role focuses on the initial bring-up and production of Starshield satellites designed for government missions. You will design testing hardware and processes to support rapid vehicle manufacturing and ensure high-quality output.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems and perform tests alongside engineers.
• Design test fixtures, stands, and safety protocols for high-voltage testing.
• Fabricate instrumentation, DAQ hardware, wire harnesses, and mechanical or fluid systems.
• Analyze test logs and data to identify root causes of failures and implement permanent fixes.
• Develop and document test procedures and train operators on assembly and maintenance.
• Support qualification testing including EMI and thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) cycles.
• Maintain shop floor tooling, ground support equipment, and inventory.

This role supports the initial bring-up and production of Starshield satellites designed for government missions. You will troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems and perform tests alongside engineers, and you will design test fixtures, stands, and safety protocols for high-voltage testing. The work is central to bringing new satellites into production quickly and reliably.

The role is hands-on and technical. You will fabricate instrumentation, DAQ hardware, wire harnesses, and mechanical or fluid systems, analyze test logs and data to identify root causes of failures and implement permanent fixes, and develop and document test procedures while training operators on assembly and maintenance. You will also support qualification testing including EMI and thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) cycles, and maintain shop floor tooling, ground support equipment, and inventory.

Working on government satellites demands precision and a willingness to own problems from discovery to resolution. Candidates with experience reading electrical schematics, using portable measuring devices, and working with DAQ systems, electrical harnessing, and high-voltage systems will be well prepared. Because the role supports sensitive missions, candidates must meet ITAR requirements and be comfortable with a hands-on, physically demanding work environment. The position offers the opportunity to work directly on hardware that supports national security and to help scale production of government satellites. If you enjoy hands-on testing and problem solving, this role provides a unique combination of engineering and production work. Strong organizational skills are also important, since the role involves managing tooling, inventory, and documentation alongside test execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in math, engineering, or a technical field, OR high school diploma/equivalency with 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on technical role.
• Ability to work all shifts, weekends, and overtime as required.
• Ability to lift 25lbs unassisted and perform physical tasks like climbing ladders and working overhead.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee to meet ITAR requirements.

Nice to have

• 5+ years of experience reading electrical schematics for board rework or testing.
• 1+ years of experience using portable measuring devices for electronic inspection.
• Proficiency with Ohm Law, ADC/DAC circuits, semiconductors, digital logic, and op amps.
• Experience reading mechanical assembly drawings and blueprints.
• Ability to solder, crimp, and assemble connectors or harnesses.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of high-voltage AC/DC systems.

Skills & tools

Python for test software improvements and debugging, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, electrical harnessing and electromechanical schematics.

Practical notes

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, short/long-term disability, paid parental leave, and 3 weeks of vacation plus 10+ holidays. Compensation includes potential stock incentives, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Travel to vendor or other SpaceX sites may be required. This position is strictly onsite in Hawthorne, CA.

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.