Hardware Test Engineer; Starlink

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Space

X is leveraging its 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 and is providing fast, reliable internet to 7M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together.

We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As a Hardware Test Engineer on Starlink, you’ll sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna engineering - ultimately ensuring that our satellite hardware can withstand the harsh environment of space and maintain communication with millions of users on a global scale. You will spearhead the development and deployment of advanced, automated electrical test systems which span an array of technical domains, such as high-speed digital communications, network and power systems integration, RF engineering, avionics, networked computing, power electronics, failure investigation, on-orbit reliability assurance, and automated testing frameworks.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with a cross-discipline team including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to conceptualize and develop test systems used to test and validate flight hardware
• Define, document and present test system requirements, coverage, designs and operational strategies
• Design and produce test assets such as test racks, electrical panels, electrical test fixtures, harnessing, connectors, PCBAs, machinery, tools, processes, etc.
• Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
• Drive continual improvements to our designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both on-orbit and in production
• Utilize software tools (Python) to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, field data, and production documentation systems
• Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight
• Understand all products and processes that require the systems for which they have developed and/or are responsible for
• Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems
• Ensure work is conducted and systems are designed/produced in compliance with appropriate safety requirements (UL, NFPA, ANSI, IEC, Etc.)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics or other STEM discipline
• 1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering (internship experience is acceptable)

PREFERRED

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
• Thorough understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
• Thorough understanding of electronics reliability and failure mechanisms
• Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++, TwinCAT)
• Experience with the testing and/or characterization of RF: components, circuits, PCBAs, antennas, systems, etc.
• Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)
• Thorough understanding and experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration and TVAC
• Experience with PLC hardware and/or software
• Experience with the design/deployment of functional safety systems
• Experience…