Hardware Test Automation Engineer, Satellites… at SpaceX · Redmond

Summary: SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and is seeking a Hardware Test Automation Engineer for its Starlink project. The role involves designing, building, and automating test systems to support the development and qualification of satellite payloads and propulsion systems.

Responsibilities:
- Develop, document, and implement cross-functional automation solutions to improve test capability, coverage, and safety
- Design and implement test and ground support equipment (GSE) to include flight hardware fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure, vacuum systems, etc
- Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot
- Create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
- Provide innovative solutions to unique requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to difficult installation locations
- Perform electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, transducers, etc

Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience automating test systems
- 1+ years of experience with instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) system design, or electronics test engineering
- Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed

Preferred Qualifications:
- 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++
- Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMM), DAQs, power supply, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, source measurement unit
- Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, DAQ setup and field measurements, build of electronic systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
- Extensive knowledge of various digital and analog interfaces including but not limited to: 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
- Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team
- Sound verbal and written communication skills

Required Skills: Test automation, Instrumentation, Data acquisition (DAQ) system design, Electronics test engineering, Python programming, MATLAB programming, C++ programming, Oscilloscope, Digital multimeter (DMM), Power supply, Electronic load, Spectrum analyzer, Source measurement unit, Programmable logic controllers (PLC), Electronics test rack design, DAQ setup, USB interface, VISA interface, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, Analog-to-digital conversion, Electrical schematic design, Pneumatic schematic design, Fluid schematic design, Electrical installation, Fluids system design, Thermal system design, Vacuum system design, Structural system design, Electromechanical system design, Metrology, Measurement error analysis, Uncertainty analysis

Benefits: Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, Potential discretionary bonuses, Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 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, Various other discounts and perks, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 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 SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday