Sr. Avionics Systems Engineer (Special Programs) - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

3d•$140,000 - $230,000

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring a Sr. Avionics Systems Engineer for its Special Programs team to lead the architecture, integration, and testing of avionics systems for new vehicles. The programs are early in their life cycle, and the engineer will help set technical direction while designs are still taking shape, mentor engineers, and guide the avionics system through integration, testing, and launch. Aerospace experience is not required; SpaceX seeks collaborative, versatile engineers who can make decisions with incomplete information and own outcomes through first flight.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of experience with electrical component design, system-level integration of electronic components, or system-level testing.
At least 2 years of experience using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.
Successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment.
Meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations.
Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones.
Occasional travel to vendor, test, and integration sites may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading avionics or electrical system architecture for a vehicle, spacecraft, or other complex electromechanical product.
Experience taking a new vehicle or product from concept through first build and test.
Experience defining system-level verification and test programs for flight or high-reliability hardware.
Experience leading real-time operations such as launch, flight, or test console support.
Experience with wire harness design, wiring diagrams, and related subcomponents such as connectors, backshells, and shielding.
Experience with common avionics interfaces and networks such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, SPI, and I2C.
Software fluency, including AI-assisted coding and analysis tools, for automating test or analysis tasks and manipulating large data sets.
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical teams without relying solely on formal authority.
Experience communicating technical direction, risks, and recommendations to program leadership.
Ability to solve problems creatively, bring multiple disciplines together, and assess risk and make design and development decisions with incomplete information.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere.

Responsibilities

Lead avionics system architecture for new vehicles, including power, data, RF, and sensor topologies.
Drive closure of vehicle electrical interfaces by working with engineers responsible for structures, propulsion, GNC, software, and customer teams.
Lead vehicle wiring diagram and harness architecture, and establish integration standards for avionics boxes, sensors, and actuators.
Drive system-level trades involving mass, power, thermal performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule, and present recommendations to program leadership.
Lead system-level integration and testing, including integration lane checkouts and vehicle-level testing, and partner with teams responsible for hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Define the avionics system verification strategy and lead test campaigns to demonstrate that the as-built vehicle is ready for launch.
Lead root-cause investigations into integrated-vehicle issues and drive corrective actions into the design.
Support launch operations on console, including real-time troubleshooting and vehicle decision-making.
Mentor systems engineers, review designs and test plans, and raise the team's technical standard.
Plan and lead system projects, including schedules, task ownership, and required 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.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
Accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.