Lead Software Engineer, Components Test (Starshield)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

8h•$165,000 - $265,000

About The Position

SpaceX’s Starshield program develops satellite capabilities for earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads that support national security efforts. The Starshield Satellite Hardware Test Team builds test solutions for high-volume communication satellites and ground stations. Testing is a quality check and the final line of defense before products are installed for flight. The Lead Software Engineer will lead the design and development of test software infrastructure to validate component performance in a cross-disciplinary environment. The role involves creating test systems and infrastructure from the ground up to test hardware, software, and the interfaces between them, while collaborating across disciplines in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, physics, or an engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of development experience in an object-oriented language.
At least 2 years of development experience in Python.
At least 2 years of experience with Linux operating systems.
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Must meet U.S. government export authorization requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a team of diverse individuals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation.
Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software used in real-world applications.
Experience with continuous integration and agile development.
Extensive knowledge of digital and analog interfaces, including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion.
Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware, such as network devices and lab instrumentation.
Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time.
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
Knowledge of computer architecture and networks.
Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.

Responsibilities

Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement.
Manage projects and delegate responsibilities effectively to complete work on time.
Determine team goals to effectively reduce software maintenance burden.
Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification.
Write automation software that interacts with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems.
Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using embedded electronics and innovative hardware.
Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data and determine whether components meet acceptance criteria.
Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure, and work with partner teams to determine and correct root causes of failures.
Define and implement project plans, manage milestones, and hold reviews to ensure reliable test systems are delivered to production.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an 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.
May accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy.