Hardware Test Engineer (Starlink) at SpaceX in Redmond, WA

Summary: SpaceX is a pioneering aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company focused on enabling human life on Mars. They are seeking a Hardware Test Engineer for their Starlink project to develop and deploy advanced electrical test systems that ensure satellite hardware can withstand the harsh conditions of space while maintaining reliable communication for millions of users. 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.) Required 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) - Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines - Some roles may require working on an “on-call” basis on a weeklong rotational schedule (On-Orbit Reliability only) - 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 Preferred Qualifications: - Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree - 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 working with pressure, temperature and flow measurement devices - Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role - Exceptional organizational, teamwork, and written/verbal communication skills to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments Required Skills: Hardware development, Electronics test engineering, Circuit analysis, Functional test plan development, Electrical schematics, Electronics manufacturing, Electronics reliability, Failure mechanisms, PCBA design, PCBA troubleshooting, Python programming, C programming, C++ programming, TwinCAT programming, RF testing, Test equipment operation, Oscilloscope, Multimeter, Electronic load, Spectrum analyzer, Network analyzer, Vector signal generator, Source measurement unit, Environmental testing, HALT, HASS, Thermal testing, Vibration testing, TVAC, PLC hardware, PLC software, Functional safety systems, Pressure measurement, Temperature measurement, Flow measurement 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, 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, 10 or more paid holidays per year, 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