Avionics Development Technician (Starshield)

Starlink; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Avionics Development Technician for the Starshield program in Hawthorne to fabricate and assemble high‑quality wire harnesses and electromechanical assemblies. You will build flight hardware from drawings, support first-time production runs, and drive throughput while preserving workmanship.

You will verify electrical assemblies, record results clearly, and assist with developing production processes and area efficiency projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of experience manufacturing wire harnesses in commercial, automotive, or aerospace sectors.
• 2+ years of experience using electronics equipment (DMMs, power supplies, oscilloscopes).
• Preferred: Associate degree or higher in electrical engineering/electronics.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and assemble high-quality, high-reliability wire harnesses and electromechanical assemblies.
• Read, interpret, and work from wiring diagrams, layouts, and schematics.
• Assemble test racks to support vehicle, component and test operations.
• Document results clearly in the shop-floor management system.
• Assist development of production processes for first-time runs and efficiency improvements.

Skills

Wire harness fabrication

Electromechanical assemblies

Read drawings

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in electrical engineering/electronics

Tools

Programmable power supplies

Digital multimeters (DMMs)

Oscilloscopes

ERP systems

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 TECHNICIAN (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

As an Avionics Development Technician on the Starshield team, you will fabricate and assemble high-quality, high-reliability wire harnesses and electromechanical assemblies that support satellite production and test. You will build and verify flight hardware and test racks from drawings and controlled documentation, support first-time production runs, and help the team increase throughput without sacrificing workmanship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fabricate and assemble high-quality, high-reliability wire harnesses and electromechanical assemblies
• Self-monitor work progress against area benchmarks and achieve on-time delivery of all work
• Read, interpret, and work from drawings and controlled documentation such as wiring diagrams, layout drawings, mechanical drawings, and schematics
• Assemble test racks and associated harnessing to support full vehicle, component, and HASS testing
• Record work performed in the shop-floor management system (ERP) and use email (Microsoft Outlook)
• Perform verification of flight hardware and document results in a clear, precise, and complete manner
• Assist with the development of production processes for first-time production runs
• Assist with area efficiency improvement projects

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of professional experience manufacturing wire harnesses in the commercial, automotive, or aerospace industry
• 2+ years of professional experience using electronics equipment (e.g., programmable power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of professional experience with wire harnesses and/or electronics equipment
• Experience in a fast-paced work environment working with mission-critical hardware, and the ability to manage changing work assignments
• Hands-on experience fabricating harnesses, soldering, building electromechanical assemblies, or prototype development
• Experience using basic mechanical and/or electronics hand tools
• IPC and/or J-STD certification, including IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, or J-STD-001
• Experience soldering components on PCBAs in both surface-mount and through-hole applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail, with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed.
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to distinguish colors

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00
• Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00
• Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00

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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 Aff? [e-mail].