Avionics Test Engineer (Starfall)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Avionics Test Engineer (Starfall) in Hawthorne to design and implement test solutions for avionics hardware destined for space missions. The role emphasizes Python automation to interface with test units, equipment, and documentation systems.

You will collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test lab teams to improve reliability and yield, and you will root-cause test failures while applying continuous improvement methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or physics required.
• 1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering.
• 1+ years of Python programming experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop test solutions for in-house avionics hardware products that will fly to space.
• Write automation software in Python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and test lab teams to drive design or infrastructure improvements.
• Root‑cause test failures and implement mitigations as part of continuous improvement.

Skills

Python programming

Hardware testing

Object-oriented software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or physics

Tools

Test equipment

Measurement techniques

Electrical schematics

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 TEST ENGINEER (STARFALL)

Want to design test systems at a speed never before seen in the industry? At SpaceX, we are designing systems to test avionics in a matter of weeks, not months or years! The Avionics Test group is the last line of defense testing and screening out all electronic hardware on our rockets and spacecraft. Hardware tested by the team includes but is not limited to: flight computers, power conversion units, analog and digital circuit boards, FPGAs, and communication system units. The team is critical in SpaceX's fundamental goal: allowing humanity to explore the stars. It is a huge undertaking and with it comes extreme responsibility to ensure the safety of the crew and payload.

Responsibilities

• Develop test solutions for in-house developed avionics hardware products that will fly to space
• Write automation software in Python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
• Work closely with and consistently provide feedback to responsible design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and test lab teams to drive design or infrastructure improvements to increase product reliability and yield
• Root‑cause test failures to ensure issues are understood and develop and implement mitigations as part of a process of continuous improvement

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or physics
• 1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering via professional experience, internships, research and/or outside the classroom projects
• 1+ years of Python programming experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements
• Understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
• Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis
• Experience developing object‑oriented software
• Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
• Understanding and experience in environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, burn‑in, and TVAC

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:
Level I: $105,000.00 – $122,500.00 per year
Level II: $120,000.00 – $150,000.00 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.

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.

Equal 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.

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].