Avionics Systems Engineer (Special Programs) - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

3d•$105,000 - $170,000

About The Position

As an Avionics Systems Engineer on SpaceX’s Special Programs team, you will architect, integrate, and test avionics systems for new SpaceX vehicles. The programs are early in their life cycle, allowing you to contribute while vehicle designs are taking shape and carry decisions through integration, testing, and launch. The role calls for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers who can make decisions with incomplete information and own outcomes through first flight. Aerospace experience is not required. You will define vehicle avionics architecture and electrical interfaces, design wiring and harnesses, make system-level tradeoffs, and plan and execute system integration, testing, and verification. You will troubleshoot integrated vehicles and test setups, support launch operations, develop tools and automation, and lead system projects. Extended hours and weekend work may be required for critical milestones, and occasional travel to vendor, test, and integration sites may be required. The role requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
At least 1 year of experience using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
At least 1 year of experience with electrical component design, system-level integration of electronic components, or system-level testing.
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance; the position also requires obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends when required to support critical project and mission milestones.
U.S. citizenship or national status, U.S. lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylee status, or eligibility to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to comply with ITAR requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience defining system architecture and interfaces for an electromechanical system while working across engineering disciplines.
Experience with wire harness design, wiring diagrams, and related components such as connectors, backshells, and shielding.
Experience with system-level integration and testing of electrical or avionics systems, such as hardware-in-the-loop, integration checkouts, or vehicle-level testing.
Experience supporting real-time operations such as launch, flight, or test-console operations.
Experience on a new product or vehicle development program from concept through first build.
Software fluency, including AI-assisted coding and analysis tools, to automate testing or analysis tasks and manipulate large data sets.
Experience with avionics interfaces and networks such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, SPI, and I2C.
Competence with electrical test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies.
Ability to solve problems creatively, bring multiple disciplines together, assess risk, and make design and development decisions with incomplete information.
Self-motivation and strong multitasking, organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere.

Responsibilities

Define avionics architecture and requirements for new vehicles, including power, data, RF, and sensor topologies.
Work with engineers in structures, propulsion, GNC, software, and customer teams to define and close vehicle electrical interfaces.
Design vehicle wiring diagrams and harnesses, and own the electrical integration of avionics boxes, sensors, and actuators into the vehicle.
Perform system-level trade studies on mass, power, thermal performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule to inform early program design decisions.
Plan and execute system-level integration and testing, including integration-lane checkouts and vehicle-level testing, and support hardware-in-the-loop testing with partner teams.
Develop, execute, and document system verification on flight and flight-representative hardware, and validate that the as-built vehicle is ready for launch.
Troubleshoot issues on integrated vehicles and test setups on an aggressive development schedule.
Support launch operations on console, including real-time vehicle troubleshooting.
Develop tools and automation for testing, analysis, and manipulation of large data sets.
Lead system projects, including development schedules, task ownership, and coordination of internal and external resources.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Three weeks of paid vacation may accrue.
Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy.
Various other discounts and perks.