Test Specialist, Avionics (Starshield)

TEST SPECIALIST, AVIONICS (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users.

With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

The Test Specialist, Avionics role is responsible for supporting the production of Starshield satellites. This includes designing tooling (electrical checkout racks, vehicle harnessing, DAQ setups, etc.) and processes (vehicle checkout software, harness/component integration, troubleshooting procedures, etc.) to build Starshield vehicles at a continually increasing and rapid cadence. Test Specialists are expected to contribute to daily production activities, including dispositioning and troubleshooting issues, providing feedback, and running basic Python-based test software improvements to reduce false failures and improve test coverage.

They also design first-article flight and GSE hardware, work with engineers to execute subsystem development testing, aid technicians with satellite production, and provide support with setting up and executing vehicle-level qualification tests, such as thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and other design validation tests.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with engineers to develop and document test procedures on both development and flight hardware
• Perform tests with engineers according to test procedures and automated test scripts, providing data and preliminary test results used to derive pass/fail criteria for each test
• Assist in the design and fabrication of hardware, including harnessing, test fixtures, and server racks
• Troubleshoot and write rework instructions for failing hardware in both hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and factory environments
• Bring up and configure Linux-based servers for use in HITL and factory environments, following standardized procedures
• Support satellite qualification testing by performing satellite operations using work instructions developed alongside engineers
• Fabricate and repair cable harnesses, including soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors
• Support development of test automation software using Python with guidance from engineering

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience working in a hands-on technical position, or a bachelor's degree in an engineering field
• 1+ years of experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in an engineering field
• 5+ years of experience reading electrical schematics to rework boards or perform tests
• Experience with test operations procedures, including thermal, vibration, thermal vacuum, shock, and EMI (electromagnetic interference), and safe handling of flight parts
• Ability to read electromechanical schematics to interpret test results and understand system functionality
• Ability to troubleshoot interconnected systems, determine root causes, and implement fixes
• Experience installing and using test instrumentation sensors, such as strain gauges, deflection gauges, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio) and the ability to navigate and manipulate files
• Experience with, or interest in, software development in Python and working with Linux-based systems
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a fast-paced, challenging environment
• Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed. Certain recurring testing events require a 4 a.m. start; a later start at 8 a.m. is possible on days without testing events
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• This role is onsite in Hawthorne, CA. Remote work is not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $33.00 - $39.00
Level 2: $37.00 - $44.00
Level 3: $41.00 - $50.00

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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.