Automation Engineer, Hardware Test for Space Systems

Spacex; Bastrop (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Test Automation Engineer to design, build, and automate test systems for satellite payloads, propulsion, and mechanisms. You will help deliver high-impact technology at scale in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 1+ years automating test systems required, plus experience with instrumentation, DAQs, and Python/MATLAB/C/C++. Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience automating test systems.
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) system design, or electronics test engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and implement cross-functional automation solutions to improve test capability, coverage, and safety.
• Design and implement test and ground support equipment (GSE) including fixtures and automated test equipment.
• Create user interfaces for complex machines to simplify use and troubleshooting.
• Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
• Provide innovative solutions to unique requirements and challenges.
• Perform electrical installation of valves, switches, transducers, and related components.

Skills

Automation experience

Python/MATLAB/C/C++

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

DMM

DAQ

Power supply

Spectrum analyzer

PLC

Job description

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

At SpaceX we’re 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 with over 9,500 in-orbit and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Hardware Test Automation Engineer you will design, build, and automate test systems to support the development and qualification of satellite payloads, propulsion systems, mechanisms, and more. This role encompasses design, analysis, and manufacturing disciplines, with the ability to spearhead large-scope projects from early design through implementation. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – engineers on this team are curious, collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, document, and implement cross-functional automation solutions to improve test capability, coverage, and safety.
• Design and implement test and ground support equipment (GSE) to include flight hardware fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure, vacuum systems, etc.
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
• Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
• Provide innovative solutions to unique requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to difficult installation locations.
• Perform electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, transducers, etc.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience automating test systems.
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) system design, or electronics test engineering.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
• Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMM), DAQs, power supply, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, source measurement unit.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, DAQ setup and field measurements, build of electronic systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications.
• Extensive knowledge of various digital and analog interfaces including but not limited to: USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion.
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware.
• Experience with the design, build, and activation of fluids, thermal, vacuum, structural or electromechanical systems.
• Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis.
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team.
• Sound verbal and written communication skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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 reach out to [e-mail] .

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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 ITARhere.

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