Software Development Test Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX
Bastrop, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for mid-level engineers who build test systems and balance reliability with velocity, working in a multidisciplinary team focused on aerospace and satellite technologies in Bastrop, TX.

Best fit for

  • Mid-level engineers with experience in HIL/HITL test systems and a background in aerospace or electrical engineering
    — “designing and building hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) test systems”
  • Individuals who have worked on CI/CD pipelines and can scale test platforms with growing demands
    — “pioneer innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet in accordance with the Starlink software organization’s growing test demands”
  • Candidates with a balance of software development and hardware testing skills, especially in RF and networking
    — “Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DAQs, electronic loads, and spectrum analyzers”

Things to consider

  • Must be eligible for U.S. Government export authorizations, which may limit candidate pool
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident”
  • Role requires flexibility with work hours, including overtime and weekends
    — “Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in creating simulation environments for complex systems
    — “Develop test cases and create simulation environments that replicate on-orbit scenarios”
  • Showcase ability to troubleshoot and optimize performance in testbeds
    — “Analyze and troubleshoot HITL test results to identify testbed issues”
  • Emphasize hands-on work with electrical and RF systems in your resume and interview narrative
    — “Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or high voltage systems”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with communication protocols like CAN bus and Modbus
    — “Experience with communication protocols including USB, VISA, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, and Modbus”
  • Show your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and build user-friendly platforms
    — “collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that we provide a highly effective, user-friendly integrated test platform”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • reliable test systems
  • flight-like testing
  • software reliability
Typical background
software testingembedded systems

Skills & requirements

Required

Hardware-in-the-loop TestingSoftware DevelopmentTest AutomationPython

Preferred

RF Communications3D CAD

Stack & domain

PythonSoftware DevelopmentTest EngineeringProblem-solvingTeamworkSpacecraftSatellite

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we are leveraging our 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, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. Our mission is to design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, including thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that integrates it all. We are just beginning to explore Starlink's potential global impact and are seeking top-tier engineers to help maximize its utility for communities and businesses around the globe. 

As a Software Development Test Engineer for Starlink, you will be responsible for designing and building “hardware-in-the-loop” (HIL/HITL) test systems. These systems allow for Starlink software engineers to build technologies such as space laser mesh networks, next-generation phased array antennas, advanced collision avoidance algorithms, and much more. You will be working with a multidisciplinary team on efforts such as constructing a platform to test industrial ground antennas, high-power amplifiers, ground-to-space lasers, and more. You will also be collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that we provide a highly effective, user-friendly integrated test platform. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, build, and maintain highly reliable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds—including surrounding infrastructure, tooling, and support equipment—for the Starlink software continuous integration system

Develop test cases and create simulation environments that replicate on-orbit scenarios to deliver flight-like testing capabilities

Ensure all software has an appropriate level of test coverage, balancing reliability, velocity and safety

Pioneer innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet in accordance with the Starlink software organization’s growing test demands

Analyze and troubleshoot HITL test results to identify testbed issues and prevent software bugs from reaching production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in software, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline

1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering

Development experience in Python

Experience in CI/CD pipeline development

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or high voltage systems

Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DAQs, electronic loads, and spectrum analyzers

Experience with 3D CAD software for design, modeling, and manufacturing applications

Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Experience with communication protocols including USB, VISA, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, and Modbus

Experience working with networking hardware and troubleshooting layers 2-4 of the OSI-model

Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing

Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, math, and physics

Experience with simulation software and data analysis

Excellent organizational and communication skills

Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a dynamic environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

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

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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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