Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

At SpaceX, we are leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. Our mission is to design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, including thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that integrates it all. We are just beginning to explore Starlink's potential global impact and are seeking top-tier engineers to help maximize its utility for communities and businesses around the globe. As a Development Test Engineer for Starlink, you will be responsible designing and building “hardware-in-the-loop” (HIL/HITL) test systems. These systems allow for Starlink software engineers to build technologies such as space laser mesh networks, next-generation phased array antennas, advanced collision avoidance algorithms, and much more. You will be working with a multidisciplinary team on efforts such as constructing a platform to simulate the motion profile of mobile customers, performing end-to-end validation of the Starlink network, and simulating ion thruster functionality with/without vacuum. You will also be collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that we provide a highly-effective, user-friendly integrated test platform.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering.

Nice To Haves

Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or propulsion systems.
Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DAQs, electronic loads, and spectrum analyzers.
Experience with 3D CAD software for design, modeling, and manufacturing applications.
Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Experience with communication protocols including USB, VISA, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, and Modbus.
Experience configuring networks and troubleshooting layers 2-4 of the OSI-model.
Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, math, and physics.
Experience with simulation software and data analysis.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain highly reliable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds—including surrounding infrastructure, tooling, and support equipment—for the Starlink software continuous integration system.
Develop test cases and create simulation environments that replicate on-orbit scenarios to deliver flight-like testing capabilities.
Ensure all software has appropriate level of test coverage, balancing reliability, velocity and safety.
Pioneer innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet in accordance with the Starlink software organization’s growing test demands.
Analyze and troubleshoot HITL test results to identify testbed issues and prevent software bugs from reaching production.

Benefits

long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
potential discretionary bonuses
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
comprehensive 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
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law
Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.