Avionics Systems Engineer (Special Programs)

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. These programs are early in their life cycle, allowing you to contribute while vehicle designs are still taking shape and follow decisions through integration, testing, and launch. Aerospace experience is not required; SpaceX seeks versatile, motivated, collaborative engineers who bring fresh ideas, solve problems, make decisions with incomplete information, and own results through first flight.

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.
Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance as a condition of employment.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends when required to support critical project and mission milestones.
Occasional travel to vendor, test, and integration sites may be required.
Must meet U.S. Government export-regulation eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

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, including hardware-in-the-loop, integration checkouts, or vehicle-level testing.
Experience supporting real-time operations such as launch, flight, or test-console support.
Experience on a new product or vehicle development program from concept through first build.
Software fluency, including AI-assisted coding and analysis tools, for automating tests or analysis and manipulating large data sets.
Experience with common 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.
Creative problem-solving skills, ability to bring multiple disciplines together, and ability to 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.
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.

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 electrical integration of avionics boxes, sensors, and actuators into the vehicle.
Perform system-level trades involving mass, power, thermal performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule to guide early 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 the internal and external resources needed to support them.

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.
Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave under Company policy.