Test Specialist, Avionics (Starshield)

Hawthorne, California, United StatesOnsiteFull Time$33–$50 /hrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Test Specialist for its Starshield program, focusing on national security applications leveraging Starlink technology. This role is crucial for supporting the production of Starshield satellites by designing and implementing test tooling and processes to increase production cadence. Responsibilities include hands-on testing, troubleshooting hardware issues, fabricating and repairing components like cable harnesses, configuring Linux servers, and supporting satellite qualification tests such as TVAC and EMI. The specialist will also contribute to Python-based test automation improvements and collaborate with engineers on test procedures and results analysis. This is an onsite position in Hawthorne, CA.

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.

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 earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

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 sub-system 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 while providing data and preliminary test results to derive a pass/fail criteria from 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

Perform bringing up and configuration of 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, assembling connectors

Support development of test automation software using Python with guidance from engineering

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school degree 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 (electrical magnetic interference) and safe handling of flight parts

Ability to read electro-mechanical schematics to interpret test results and understand system functionality

Ability to troubleshoot interconnected systems and determine root causes and implement fixes

Experience installing and use test instrumentation sensors, such as: strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry

Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio) and ability to navigate and manipulate files

Experience with or interest in development of software in Python, and working with Linux based systems

Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed

Certain reoccurring testing events require starting at 4am, flexibility for a later start at 8am on days without testing events is possible

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 not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay range: Test Specialist/Level 1: $33.00 - $39.00/hour Test Specialist/Level 2: $37.00 - $44.00/hour Test Specialist/Level 3: $41.00 - $50.00/hour

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.
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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