EMC/EMI Test Specialist (Starlink Aviation)

SpaceX; Woodinville (WA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks an EMI/EMC test specialist for the Starlink Aviation program to validate hardware performance on aircraft and mobile systems.

You will perform EMC/EMI emissions and immunity tests, read drawings, design fixtures, and operate analyzers while documenting results for engineers and program leads. This role requires precision, teamwork, and hands-on testing in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in electronics or 2+ years' direct electronics work experience.
• 1+ years testing electronics or electrical hardware.
• 1+ years working with test fixtures, harnesses, or electro-mechanical assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Perform EMC/EMI emissions and immunity testing on electrical systems and components.
• Read, interpret, and work from free-form drawings as well as from controlled documentation and processes.
• Design and fabricate electro-mechanical assemblies, harnesses and test fixtures from conceptual drawings.
• Operate a spectrum analyzer, VNA, power meter, high-power amplifier, and oscilloscope.
• Perform antenna and shielding effectiveness measurements.
• Independently perform verifications and document results clearly and precisely.
• Troubleshoot complex problems with minimal direction.
• Support engineers and test management with standardized testing and R&D projects.
• Maintain test equipment and test facilities and oversee calibration.

Skills

EMI testing

Electronics testing

Schematic reading

Python scripting

CAD drafting

Test fixtures

Oscilloscope

Spectrum analyzer

VNA

Power meter

Education

Associate's degree in electronics

2+ years electronics experience

1+ years test fixture/harness experience

Tools

Spectrum analyzer

Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)

Oscilloscope

Power meter

Test fixtures

CAD

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.

EMC/EMI TEST SPECIALIST (STARLINK AVIATION)

Starlink is SpaceX’s ambitious program to bring high-quality internet to the globe by building a constellation of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which we have launched on our Falcon 9 reusable rockets over the past years. The Starlink Aviation team is developing mobility solutions for aircraft that will connect to the Starlink constellation and provide an amazing customer experience in-flight.

As an EMI/EMC test specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring hardware performance of the Starlink equipment on board a variety of aircraft and mobile systems. You will perform exhaustive testing at the unit, subsystem, and system levels, with extensive opportunity to interact with a vast array of aircraft systems, avionics equipment, and ground support electronics. You will help solve aviation-specific EMI compatibility issues, running root cause investigations and collaborating with electrical, silicon, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to guarantee and improve the EMI performance of the product.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform EMC/EMI emissions and immunity testing of electrical systems and components for consumer and commercial applications
• Read, interpret, and work from free-form drawings as well as from controlled documentation and processes
• Design and fabricate electro-mechanical assemblies, harnesses and test fixtures from conceptual drawings
• Operate a spectrum analyzer, VNA, power meter, high-power amplifier, and oscilloscope
• Perform antenna and shielding effectiveness measurements
• Independently perform verifications and document results in a clear, precise and complete manner
• Troubleshoot complex problems independently with minimal direction
• Support engineers and test management with standardized testing and R&D projects
• Maintain test equipment and test facilities and oversee the equipment calibration process

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in an electronics discipline or 2+ years of direct work experience in electronics
• 1+ years of experience performing testing of electronics or electrical hardware
• 1+ years of experience working with test fixtures, harnesses and/or electro-mechanical assemblies

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with FCC Part 15, Part 25, EN55032, EN 55024/35, EN 61000, MIL-STD-1541, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, DO-160G specifications
• Experience in a fast-paced test environment with flight hardware
• Able to support R&D efforts in addition to standardized testing
• Familiarity with semi-anechoic chamber specifications, design and maintenance
• Experience with lab accreditation for self-certification purposes (i.e. ISO/IEC 17025, A2LA, or NVLAP)
• Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments and fast-paced work environment
• Able to program simple scripts in python for test logging and control
• Able to efficiently draft fixtures, tools, structures, and electrical schematics using a CAD system
• Able to troubleshoot unit and test rack issues with little to no supervision
• Able to author and redline clear and concise test procedures, build procedures, and process instructions
• Excellent concentration and attention to detail with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills
• Ability to read and interpret schematics (engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists), cable harnesses (wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and parts lists), and mechanical assemblies (mechanical drawings and parts lists)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• Able to travel for short trips as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Level 1: $34.00 - $40.00 + $2.00/hour lead differential
• Level 2: $38.00 - $45.00 + $2.00/hour lead differential
• Level 3: $42.00 - $51.00 + $2.00/hour lead differential

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.

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.

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 Affiantive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].