Software Engineer, Development Test (Starlink)

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, DEVELOPMENT TEST AUTOMATION (STARLINK)

As a software engineer on the development test automation team you will design, build, and automate test systems to support the development and production of satellite payloads, propulsion systems, mechanisms, and more. Your focus will be on developing software solutions that combine satellite hardware, vacuum systems, high-power test equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition, and production systems to enable test capabilities. These test systems enable subscale testing of components, support iteration on designs for future vehicles, qualify new hardware before flight, and verify production flight hardware.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – engineers on this team are curious, 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 development and qualification testing
• Write automation software to interact with hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production systems
• Invent tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system
• Develop custom automation solutions to engineering challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines and processes easy to use and troubleshoot

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 Python and/or C, C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience with configuration management and version control software
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition system design, or electronics test engineering
• Experience writing software that interacts with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, DMMs, DAQs, power supplies, electronic loads, spectrum analyzers, source measure units
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems, with a thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Experience with configuration management and version control software
• Experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
• Extensive knowledge of a range of digital and analog interfaces including USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion
• Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electrical systems and ground-support equipment
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics
• Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.