Avionics Integration & Test Engineer (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking an Avionics Integration and Test Engineer (STARSHIELD) to lead acceptance and qualification tests of satellite electrical systems, investigate hardware failures via telemetry, and drive reliable ground checkout procedures.

This hands-on role requires collaboration with software and hardware teams, test automation, and the ability to work extended hours to meet mission deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics is required.
• 1+ years of design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience or equivalent.
• Strong ability to investigate failed electrical hardware to determine root cause via telemetry and hardware investigations.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate electrical ground support equipment for testing Starshield satellites.
• Evaluate non-conforming electrical hardware to determine root cause failure modes and propose design improvements.
• Develop and automate vehicle checkout procedures for both integrated self tests and early-life mortality screens.
• Evaluate proposed flight designs for integration and impacts to vehicle level checkouts.
• Develop and maintain continuous integration test regression systems.
• Interface with software engineers to improve SpaceX-developed automation infrastructure.
• Manage integration build flow and test operations.

Skills

Design experience

Telemetry analysis

Programming (Python, MATLAB)

Avionics integration

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Hawthorne, CA

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 INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Avionics Integration and Test Engineers are responsible for acceptance and qualification tests of our satellite's electrical systems. They must have a deep working knowledge of the satellite's electrical architecture, factory checkouts, and the ability to investigate failed electrical hardware to determine root cause via telemetry and hardware investigations. A successful Avionics Integration and Test Engineer demonstrates engineering intuition and critical thinking and is comfortable working under ambiguous requirements with minimal oversight. The ultimate goal of the Integration and Test team is to ensure that Starshield satellites work properly once deployed into space and achieve their mission.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate electrical ground support equipment for testing Starshield satellites
• Evaluate non-confirming electrical hardware to determine root cause failure modes and propose design improvements
• Develop and automate vehicle checkout procedures for both integrated self tests and early‑life mortality screens
• Evaluate proposed flight designs for integration and impacts to vehicle level checkouts
• Develop and maintain continuous integration test regression systems
• Interface with software engineers to improve SpaceX developed automation infrastructure
• Manage integration build flow and test operations

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics
• 1+ years of design and/or hands‑on manufacturing experience (internships, collegiate engineering projects such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, etc., or professional industry experience will be considered)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with MATLAB, python, or other programming language
• Experience with integration and testing of avionics, propulsion, thermal, and/or structural systems
• Documentation and configuration management experience
• Experience writing test plans, procedures and providing go/no‑go judgment and rationale
• Experience in a production environment
• Demonstrated engineering intuition, critical thinking, comfort with ambiguity

Additional Requirements

• Some travel to other SpaceX sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission‑critical deadlines
• This position is very hands‑on and requires one to be on their feet for extended periods of time, up to 4 hours at a time
• Will often work side by side with our technicians and must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces
• 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

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $105,000.00 - $122,500.00
• Level 2: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00

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.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Compliance

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.