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 (STARLINK)
As a Software Engineer in Starlink, your focus will be on developing integrated operations and automation for the Hardware/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 inertial control devices, 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 for 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 assure 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 degree
- Development experience in C, C++, or Python; or full stack software development experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Strong software design and development skills
- Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems
- Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electrical systems and ground-support equipment
- Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests
- Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics
- Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
- Familiarity with Linux programming
- Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner
- Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electrical systems or ground-support equipment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year
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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
Top Skills
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.
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