Automation and Test Engineer, Satellites; Starlink

Automation and Test Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Space

X was founded with the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. We are actively developing technologies to make this possible, enabling human life on Mars. As part of the Starlink program, the world’s largest satellite constellation, we design, build, test, and operate thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that brings them together.

We’re looking for an Automation Test Engineer to design, build, and automate test systems to support the development and qualification of propulsion systems, satellite payloads, avionics boards, mechanisms, and more.

• Develop, document, and implement cross‑functional automation solutions to improve test capability, coverage, and safety.
• Design and implement test and ground support equipment to include flight hardware interfacing fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure, vacuum systems, etc.
• Directly involved with equipment builds, checkouts, and troubleshooting.
• Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
• Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics.
• Control and maintain network infrastructure interfaces to data acquisition and control systems.
• Use electrical equipment in the field to verify the functionality of end instruments.
• Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to challenging installation locations.
• Perform electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, ducers, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience automating test systems.
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition system design, or electronics test engineering.

• 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
• Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, DMMs, DAQs, power supply, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, source measurement unit.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Experience in electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications.
• Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including: USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog‑to‑digital conversion.
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware.
• Experience with the design, build, and activation of fluids, thermal, vacuum, structural or electromechanical systems.
• Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis.
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team.
• Sound verbal and written communication skills.

• Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed.

Software Test Engineer/Level I: $ - $ per year
Software Test Engineer/Level II: $ - $ per year

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the Space

X Redmond office Monday to Friday.