Software Engineer, Hardware Test & Automation (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, HARDWARE TEST AUTOMATION (STARLINK)

As a Software Engineer on the Starlink Team, you will design software and build systems that test flight components and entire satellites for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with mission success being imperative. Your focus will be on developing the automation and software solutions for the components and platforms that bring the Starlink Satellite to life. Our software engineers are responsible for the tools that enable rapid development and accurate testing of all Starlink hardware systems, with a continual focus on design, reliability, and innovation, from test hardware system designs to our software infrastructure. Our engineers serve as the 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.

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 Python and/or C, C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Computer science degree

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 with continuous integration and agile development

Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time

Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment

Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation

Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains

Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion

Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation

Experience with high power electrical systems, electro-mechanical systems and embedded hardware product development

Experience with gathering and organizing data using tools such as SQL or interacting with REST APIs

Experience with HTML/CSS for creating web applications and creating dashboards with tools such as grafana

Strong software design and development skills

Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems

Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests

Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electrical systems and ground-support equipment

Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner

Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics

Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization

Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Softw…