Hardware Test Automation Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Redmond, WA is seeking a Hardware Test Automation Engineer for the development and qualification of satellite systems. The successful candidate will design and automate test systems, ensuring high-capacity testing solutions. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in engineering and at least one year of automation experience. This role offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology in space exploration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience automating test systems.
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement automation solutions for testing.
• Design and implement test and ground support equipment.
• Create electrical and pneumatic schematics.

Skills

Automation solutions

Electrical schematics

Programming in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++

Test equipment experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Digital multimeters

DAQs

Programmable logic controllers

Job description

Hardware Test Automation Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

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’re 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 with over 8,500 in‑orbit and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Hardware Test Automation Engineer you will design, build, and automate test systems to support the development and qualification of satellite payloads, propulsion systems, mechanisms, and more. This role encompasses design, analysis, and manufacturing disciplines, with the ability to spearhead large‑scope projects from early design through implementation. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – engineers on this team are curious, collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high‑impact technology on a massive scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, document, and implement cross‑functional automation solutions to improve test capability, coverage, and safety.
• Design and implement test and ground support equipment (GSE) to include flight hardware fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure, vacuum systems, etc.
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
• Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
• Provide innovative solutions to unique requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to difficult installation locations.
• Perform electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, transducers, etc.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience automating test systems.
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) system design, or electronics test engineering.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
• Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMM), DAQs, power supply, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, source measurement unit.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, DAQ setup and field measurements, build of electronic systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications.
• Extensive knowledge of various digital and analog interfaces including but not limited to: USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog‑to‑digital conversion.
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware.
• Experience with the design, build, and activation of fluids, thermal, vacuum, structural or electromechanical systems.
• Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis.
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team.
• Sound verbal and written communication skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

• Hardware Test Automation Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
• Hardware Test Automation Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $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.

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. 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.

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