Development Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Redmond, WA is seeking engineers to design and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds for the Starlink software integration. The role involves developing test cases, creating simulation environments, and troubleshooting test results. A Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering along with at least one year of relevant experience is required. This position offers a salary range of $105,000 to $145,000 depending on level, alongside comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering.
• Experience configuring networks and troubleshooting layers 2-4 of the OSI model.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds for the Starlink software.
• Develop test cases and create simulation environments that replicate on-orbit scenarios.
• Pioneer innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet.

Skills

Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or propulsion systems

Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing

Excellent organizational and communication skills

Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a dynamic environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline

Tools

3D CAD software

Electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, DAQs)

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Job description

Redmond, WA

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.

At SpaceX, we are leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. Our mission is to design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, including thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that integrates it all. We are just beginning to explore Starlink's potential global impact and are seeking top‑tier engineers to help maximize its utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain highly reliable hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds—including surrounding infrastructure, tooling, and support equipment—for the Starlink software continuous integration system.
• Develop test cases and create simulation environments that replicate on‑orbit scenarios to deliver flight‑like testing capabilities.
• Ensure all software has appropriate level of test coverage, balancing reliability, velocity and safety.
• Pioneer innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet in accordance with the Starlink software organization’s growing test demands.
• Analyze and troubleshoot HITL test results to identify testbed issues and prevent software bugs from reaching production.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or propulsion systems.
• Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DAQs, electronic loads, and spectrum analyzers.
• Experience with 3D CAD software for design, modeling, and manufacturing applications.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Experience with communication protocols including USB, VISA, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, and Modbus.
• Experience configuring networks and troubleshooting layers 2‑4 of the OSI model.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, math, and physics.
• Experience with simulation software and data analysis.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:

• Level I: $105,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year
• Level II: $115,000.00 – $145,000.00 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

EEO Statement

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].