Avionics Development Specialist

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance bonuses

Medical, vision, dental

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking an Avionics Development Specialist to design, document, build, and maintain hardware for HITL, hardware development, testing, and EMI/EEE engineering across vehicles.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering or 2+ years of electronics troubleshooting experience, plus 2+ years manufacturing with electronics tools. Compensation features multiple hourly levels and strong benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or 2+ years electronics experience troubleshooting test systems and/or avionics hardware.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and work from assembly/operating procedures, schematic diagrams, bills of materials, mechanical drawings, and alternate parts lists.
• Design and build test systems, electromechanical assemblies, engineering enclosures, and test fixtures with high level guidance from engineering.
• Design and build electrical harnessing for acceptance tests, qualification of flight avionics, and HITL tables.
• Perform time sensitive harness rework on large systems like HITL tables.
• Develop documentation packages from existing designs.
• Support qualification test campaigns by setting up tests, running software, and interpreting reports.
• Rework PCBA and implement revision changes to fix design issues.
• Monitor progress and ensure on-time delivery.
• Assist with production process development for first-time production run.
• Diagnose test system and HITL failures and repair.
• Design 3D-printed fixtures and tooling for testing

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Pressure sensors

PCBAs design (Altium)

Torque tools

Mechanical enclosures

Functional tests

Soldering/Desoldering (QFN)

Unix/Linux/Windows

Python/SQL/LabVIEW

Office suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

2+ years electronics troubleshooting

Tools

Altium Designer

Protocase Designer

UG/NX

PCB testing equipment

IPC standards

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

AVIONICS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Avionics Core Engineering team is looking for an experienced Avionics Development Specialist to design, document, build, and maintain a variety of hardware supporting HITL, Hardware Dev, Test, EEE, and EMI engineering teams across all vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Read, interpret, and work from assembly/operating procedures, schematic diagrams, bills of materials, mechanical drawings, and alternate parts lists
• Design and build test systems, electromechanical assemblies, engineering enclosures, and test fixtures with high level guidance from engineering
• Design and build electrical harnessing to be used in acceptance test, qualification of flight avionics, and HITL tables
• Perform time sensitive harness rework on large systems like HITL tables
• Take existing electromechanical designs, and develop documentation package from scratch
• Support execution of qualification test campaigns by setting up tests, running software, and interpreting test reports
• Perform rework on PCBAs, and make revision changes on PCBA designs to fix design issues
• Self-monitor work progress against area benchmarks, and achieve on-time delivery of all work
• Assist with the development of production processes for first-time production run
• Diagnose test system and HITL failures, and make appropriate repairs
• Design 3D print custom fixtures and tooling to support development testing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or 2+ years of electronics experience troubleshooting test systems and/or avionics hardware
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience using electronics equipment and basic mechanical and/or electronics hand tools

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with communication (written and verbal) and teamwork
• Experience having attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Knowledge of pressure sensors and their applications
• Experience designing PCBAs in Altium Designer with the ability to view schematics and PCBA layouts to help with troubleshooting PCBAs
• Experience working with torque tools, fittings, and pressure regulators
• Experience designing basic mechanical enclosures using Protocase Designer, UG/NX, or equivalent applications
• Experience setting up and run functional/environmental tests, identify failures, and report results
• Experience reliably soldering/desoldering QFN/leadless components, trace cutting, component stacking, and hot air/plate tool usage
• Experience working with all operating systems: Unix, Linux, and Windows
• Knowledge of Ohm's Law, power supplies, digital logic, ADC/DAC circuits, op amps, semiconductors, and communications protocols
• Knowledge of DAQ systems along with the various sensors and measurement tools associated
• Knowledge of RF specific test equipment and proper usage
• Experience developing software tools and/or programs using Python, SQL, C++, LabVIEW, and/or other languages
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with Atlassian tools including SVN, Confluence, and JIRA
• Experience with IPC/WHMA-A-620 requirements and acceptance for cable and wire harness
• Experience with IPC 7711/21, rework, modification, and repair of electronic assemblies

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to perform the following functions: repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying
• Must be able to travel – up to 10%
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level 1: $30.00 - $39.00/hour
Level 2: $35.00 - $46.00/hour
Level 3: $40.00 - $53.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

• 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 Afforomiative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail] .