SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

TEST SOFTWARE ENGINEER (SATELLITES)

SpaceX services a diverse range of clients and their payloads. Missions supporting scientific research, classified national security space, and commercial opportunities are all in work. As we expand our classified mission manifest, we are looking for test software engineers to join our team.

As a test software engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop test systems for all the electronic hardware on our satellites. Not only does this mean you will be working on space crafts, but you will be working on core components of the space craft such as flight computers, power converters, analog and digital circuit boards, and communication system units. You will be expected to create test solutions from the ground up, and your work will be the last line of defense before our vehicles get shipped out the door. Our fundamental goal is to improve humanity and ultimately to explore the stars; with it comes extreme responsibility to ensure the safety and reliability or our satellites and payloads.

We’re looking for people who want to dive in and get their hands dirty and those who are not afraid to make important decisions and work to provide a data driven rationale. Every day we push the limits of what is possible through innovation, determination, and teamwork and we’re only just beginning.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design test solutions for flight hardware consisting of both in-house developed avionics hardware as well as commercial off the shelf components
• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
• Write automation software to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
• Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
• Work closely with and consistently provide feedback to responsible design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and test lab teams to drive design or infrastructure improvements to increase product reliability and yield
• Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or an engineering discipline with an emphasis in software engineering and electronics
• 3+ years of experience with hardware development or test software development (significant academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify)
• 2+ years of programming experience using Python, LabVIEW, SQL, MATLAB, or Embedded C/C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong software development and debugging skills
• Demonstrated skills in test engineering
• Demonstrated skills in object oriented programming (Python)
• Experience with code revision control tools such as GIT or svn
• Experience writing code that controls external hardware and other equipment over USB, ethernet, RS232, RS422, CAN, SPI, and/or I2C
• Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques such as Oscilloscopes, DMMs, DAQs, etc. to verify and validate electronic performance
• Basic understanding of electronics with ability to read basic schematics to understand functionality
• Experience optimizing code and developing unit tests
• Extensive Knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems, VLANs, and network security
• Deep understanding of 100Mb/s and 1Gb/s Ethernet at both physical and application layers
• Experience with analyzing data sets for trends and quality measurements
• Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
• Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience with RF test equipment including WiFi, Ku, Bluetooth, and GPS
• Understanding and experience in environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, burn-in, TVAC and EMI/EMC
• Experience with HASS/HALT
• Ability to design custom mechanical parts needed for test systems designs (such as fixtures and enclosures)
• Electrical engineering skills to develop basic circuits for low voltage i/o control and data acquisition
• Active Secret, Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one desired but not required

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• Ability to lift heavy harnesses and fixtures
• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.