Software Engineer, Hardware Test & Automation (Optical Payloads)

Rocket Lab; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer to join the Starlink Integration & Test Team. This role focuses on developing automation software for hardware testing, requiring strong programming skills in Python, C, or C++ and a solid understanding of both software and hardware interactions. The ideal candidate will work in a collaborative environment to create innovative solutions that directly contribute to the functionality and success of satellite technology.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Up to 3 weeks of paid vacation

10 or more paid holidays per year

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Qualifications

• Experience in software development in C, C++, or Python required.
• Familiarity with Linux/Windows operating systems and computer architecture preferred.
• Knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages.
• Write automation software for interacting with flight hardware and test equipment.
• Invent tools for reliable software deployment and test execution.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Linux

Windows

Networks

Electronics

RF Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline

2+ years of professional experience in software development

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HARDWARE TEST & AUTOMATION (OPTICAL PAYLOADS)

As a Software Engineer on the Starlink Integration & Test Team, your focus will be on developing integrated operations and automation for complex subassemblies and components that bring the Starlink Satellite to life. You will be responsible for systems that enable rapid development and accurate testing of Starlink software and hardware, with a continual focus on design, development, and building innovative test systems, from hardware designs to software infrastructure. Our engineers serve as software and hardware experts for the flight control devices and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our satellites - from attitude determination/control systems to Space Lasers and more. We design software and build systems that test flight components for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with mission success being imperative.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – engineers on this team are curious, and collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
• Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
• Develop software that allows test execution across multiple environments: hardware-in-the-loop (HITL, HIL) and virtualized hardware simulations
• Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
• Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
• Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
• Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to ensure reliable test systems are delivered to production
• Invent tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C, C++, or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive knowledge of Linux/Windows operating systems, computer architecture and networks
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary production environment
• Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains
• Experience with configuration management, version control software, continuous integration, and agile development
• Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion
• Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests
• Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electro-mechanical systems and ground-support equipment
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Software Engineer/Level I: $122,500.00 - $145,000.00/per year

Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 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].