Test Engineer (Avionics Test Lab)

Location: Hawthorne, CA

Department: Avionics Manufacturing & Test Engineering

TEST ENGINEER (AVIONICS TEST LAB) 

The Avionics Test Lab conducts critical environmental stress and functional screening of all electronic hardware before vehicle integration, including flight computers, power conversion units, analog and digital circuit boards, FPGAs, communication system units, and other components. As a Test Engineer, you will own the success of both flight hardware through testing and any associated test processes to drive safe, high-quality, and efficient delivery to SpaceX vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own flight hardware through thermal, vibration, and other screening procedures and serve as the primary contact for any associated issues or stoppages
• Ensure all avionics flight hardware meets SpaceX and customer requirements at the conclusion of the testing process
• Write automation software in Python to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation
• Troubleshoot test software and modify codebase to adjust test bounds, implement fixes, and incorporate updates as needed
• Collaborate with responsible design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and production teams to solve high-complexity testing challenges
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to increase throughput and reduce cost to meet launch targets

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or physics
• 1+ years of experience in a hardware and/or software testing environment (internship and project experience are applicable)
• 1+ years of experience in any of the following languages: Python, C#, C++, JavaScript, Visual Basic, MATLAB, and/or LabVIEW

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with avionics hardware, including flight computers, gas sensors, controllers, antennas, transmitters, receivers, and printed circuit board assemblies
• Experience developing object-oriented software and automated test software
• Experience with environmental testing such as thermal, vibration, shock, TVAC, and thermal vacuum
• Understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time – 8 hours minimum
• Must be able to lift and carry equipment to 25 lbs. unassisted

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:         
Test Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year   
Test Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year         

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.