Hardware Test Automation Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

Disability and life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Test Automation Engineer in Washington to design, automate, and validate test systems for satellite payloads and propulsion hardware. You will build GSE, fixtures, and automation, and create user interfaces to simplify complex equipment.

The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering and 1+ years in automation, with experience in DAQ, Python/MATLAB/C/C++. You will collaborate across teams and may work extended hours as needed in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience automating test systems.
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) system design, or electronics test engineering.

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), including flight hardware fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure, vacuum systems, and related hardware.
• 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, ranging from specialized equipment to difficult installation locations.
• Perform electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, transducers, and related components.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

DAQ systems

Electrical testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Oscilloscope

DMM

SPI/I2C tools

PLC

Job description

Overview

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the Starlink system, including satellites, user terminals, and software integration. We are seeking a Hardware Test Automation Engineer to design, build, and automate test systems for satellite payloads, propulsion systems, mechanisms, and related hardware. The team values curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to learn quickly in a dynamic environment to deliver high‑impact technology at 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), including flight hardware fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure, vacuum systems, and related hardware.
• 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, ranging from specialized equipment to difficult installation locations.
• Perform electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, transducers, and related components.

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 electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMM), DAQs, power supplies, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, or source measurement unit.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Experience in electronics test rack design and build, DAQ setup and field measurements, or building test systems for local assembly or industrial applications.
• Extensive knowledge of digital and analog interfaces (USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and ADC).
• Experience troubleshooting software–hardware interactions.
• Experience with 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 work effectively in a team.
• Strong 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: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Hardware Test Automation Engineer/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 job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is part of a total rewards package including potential stock incentives, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase stock through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, and holidays. Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in accordance with state and federal law. SpaceX shuttles are offered from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office (Monday to Friday).

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an 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 ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation may contact [e-mail].