Software Engineer, Hardware & Test Automation (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering team focused on revolutionizing satellite technology! As a Software Engineer in Starlink, you'll play a crucial role in developing integrated operations and automation systems that ensure the reliability of our cutting-edge satellite technology. You'll work on innovative test systems, from hardware designs to software infrastructure, enabling rapid development and accurate testing of Starlink software and hardware. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact technology in a dynamic environment, where your curiosity and collaborative spirit will thrive. If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Long-term incentives

Discretionary bonuses

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of professional software development experience required.
• Proficient in Python, C, or C++ with a focus on automation and testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop reusable test and automation software for hardware testing.
• Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Linux

Windows

Agile Development

Continuous Integration

Embedded Electronics

Signal Processing

Troubleshooting

Education

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

2+ years of professional experience in software development

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Version Control Software

Test Equipment

Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HARDWARE TEST & AUTOMATION (STARLINK)

As a Software Engineer in Starlink, your focus will be on developing integrated operations and automation for the Hardware/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 inertial control devices 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, 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 for 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 assure 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; or full stack software development experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Experience with configuration management and version control software.
• Experience with continuous integration and agile development.
• Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time.
• Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation.
• Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains.
• Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion.
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation.
• Experience with spacecraft fluid systems.
• Experience with high power electrical systems.
• Experience with embedded hardware product development.
• Developed and deployed software that has been used in real-world applications/projects.
• Experience with containerization technologies (i.e. Docker, Kubernetes).
• Radio frequency (RF) system-level design, modems, and diagnostic test equipment experience.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
• Experience with continuous integration and monitoring.
• 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: $120,000.00 - $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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.