Avionics Systems Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Avionics Systems Engineer, where you will play a vital role in the development and integration of innovative avionics systems for unique space vehicles. This exciting position involves hands-on troubleshooting, design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure successful launches and operations. If you are passionate about aerospace and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity could be your next great adventure. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space exploration while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in electrical component design and system integration.
• Active Top Secret clearance is required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair electrical hardware issues on a tight schedule.
• Support flight operations as an avionics operator ensuring platform health.

Skills

Electrical component design

System-level integration

Troubleshooting sensors

Creative problem solving

Communication skills

Matlab

C++

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Electrical test equipment

3D CAD software

Job description

AVIONICS SYSTEMS ENGINEER – TOP SECRET CLEARANCE

As an Avionics Systems Engineer within our Special Programs Group, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a cross-functional team that bridges the gap between vehicle analysis, design, production, and vehicle operations.

The Special Programs Avionics Team is responsible for cradle-to-grave ownership of unique space vehicle avionics as the platform is built, tested, launched, recovered, and re-launched. This includes development of new capabilities, electrical design of vehicle architecture, repair of electrical components, and troubleshooting of avionics subsystems including compute, power distribution, vehicle network, onboard sensors, actuators, RF, and video.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent the special programs avionics system throughout all stages of integration, from production and test all the way through GO for launch and on-orbit operations.
• Triage, troubleshoot, root cause, and repair electrical hardware issues on an aggressive production schedule. Drive future improvements to minimize reoccurrence.
• Support pad and flight operations as avionics operator responsible for evaluating platform health, resolving issues in real-time, and recommending path forward.
• Contribute to new avionics architectures that minimize mass, cost, and labor through collaboration with adjacent teams and supporting analysis.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, science, or math.
• 2+ years of experience with electrical component design, system-level integration of electronic components, or system-level testing (internship or project team experience qualifies).
• 1+ years of experience using software tools such as Matlab, C++, or Python.
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Competence with electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.).
• Creative problem solving that can bring multiple disciplines together with the ability to assess risk and make design/development decisions without all available data.
• Experience troubleshooting sensors, actuators, and electrical components.
• Experience with 3D CAD software.
• Software fluency, enabling automation of test or analysis tasks.
• Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere.
• Operations experience in flight test, piloting aircraft, or controlling other high-consequence systems in real-time.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance. 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.
• Must be willing to travel (approximately 10%) to other SpaceX locations, as necessary.
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.
• Must be willing to work long hours and occasional weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Avionics Systems Engineer/Level 1: $110,000.00-$120,000.00/per year

Avionics Systems Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.