Avionics Test Engineer (Starship)

United States Digital Space LLC; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision & Dental

401(k) plan

Stock options

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is seeking an Avionics Test Engineer focused on Starship programs in El Segundo, CA. You will design, develop, and maintain test systems for advanced flight hardware and electronics, integrating Python automation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities include hardware test solution development, PCBAs testing, and root-cause analysis to improve reliability. Strong C/C++ and MATLAB skills are valued, with extended hours for mission milestones.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with electronic hardware development or software development (academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify)
• 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or Embedded C/C++
• Bachelor’s degree in computer/electrical engineering or related field

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain custom test solutions for flight hardware consisting of in-house developed electronics, optics, RF antennas and modulators, and electro-mechanical hardware
• Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
• 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 innovation in design and infrastructure to increase product reliability and yield
• Root-cause test anomalies and failures during various states of testing and development to ensure they are understood and implement mitigations

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Embedded C/C++

Electronics hardware development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline

Tools

Oscilloscopes

DMMs

DAQs

Vector network analyzers

Job description

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

AVIONICS TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Components Test team develops the test and manufacturing processes for the most advanced spacecraft avionics in the world. Our engineers serve as hardware experts for the flight control devices and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our spacecraft - from inertial measurement units, network hardware, power distribution, antennas and more. We design software and build the systems that test the flight components for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with mission success being imperative.

Testing is a fundamental quality check and last line of defense before our products are installed for flight. As an Avionics Test Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop test systems that will validate the performance of these components in a cross-disciplinary environment. You will be expected to create new test systems and infrastructure from the ground up including hardware, software, and test sequences to exercise all possible failure modes.

We are looking for people who excel at solving complex problems, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and contribute as a team player to build new capabilities and innovate in our testing approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, and maintain custom test solutions for flight hardware consisting of in-house developed electronics, optics, RF antennas and modulators, and electro-mechanical hardware
• Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
• 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 innovation in design and infrastructure to increase product reliability and yield
• Root-cause test anomalies and failures during various states of testing and development to ensure they are understood and implement mitigations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or an engineering discipline with an emphasis in electrical engineering and electronics
• 1+ years of experience with electronic hardware development or software development (academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify)
• 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or Embedded C/C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
• Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs
• Experience with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DMMs, DAQs and measurement techniques to verify and validate product electronic requirements
• Experience developing object-oriented software
• Experience with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and signal generators
• Understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
• Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis
• Understanding and experience in environmental testing such as HALT, HASS, vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, and EMI/EMC

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• Ability to lift heavy harnesses and fixtures

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Pay Range:Level 1: $105,000.00 - $140,000.00
• Level 2: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00
• 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 the company.
• 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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company's Aff and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].