Software Development Test Engineer (Starlink)

Spacex; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is seeking a Software Development Test Engineer for Starlink to design, build, and maintain hardware-in-the-loop testbeds and to create flight-like testing environments for Starlink software.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to scale HITL capabilities, ensure robust test coverage, and troubleshoot results to prevent production issues. The role demands strong engineering fundamentals and hands-on testing experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in software, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering.
• Development experience in Python
• Experience in CI/CD pipeline development

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 an 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

Skills

Python

CI/CD

Test experience

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in software/electrical/mechanical/aerospace or related

Tools

Oscilloscopes

DAQs

Spectrum analyzers

3D CAD

PLC programming

Network testing tools

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)

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 millionsofusers 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.

As a Software Development Test Engineer for Starlink, you will be responsible for designing and building “hardware-in-the-loop” (HIL/HITL) test systems. These systemsallow forStarlink software engineers to build technologies such as space laser mesh networks, next-generation phased array antennas, advanced collision avoidance algorithms, and much more. You will also be collaborating closely with a multidisciplinaryteam on efforts such as constructing a platform to test industrial ground antennas, high-power amplifiers, ground-to-space lasers, and more. You will also be collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that we provide a highly effective, user-friendly integrated test platform.

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 an 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 software, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering
• Development experience in Python
• Experience in CI/CD pipeline development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or high voltage 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 working with networking hardware 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

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 Affi-... or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].