Lead Software Engineer, Components Test (Starshield)

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.

LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER, COMPONENTS TEST (STARSHIELD)

Starshield is a satellite development program focused on efforts in earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads that enable innovation in national security efforts. The Starshield Satellite Hardware Test Team develops test solutions for the most cutting-edge, high volume communication satellites and ground stations in the world. Testing is a fundamental quality check and last line of defense before our products are installed for flight.

As Lead Software Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to lead the design and development of test software infrastructure that will validate the performance of these components in a cross-disciplinary environment. You will be expected to create new test systems and infrastructure from the ground up to test hardware, software, and the interface between the two. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strong technical leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
• Manage projects and delegate responsibilities effectively to complete work on time
• Determine team goals to effectively reduce software maintenance burden
• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
• Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
• Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
• Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
• Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
• Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, physics or engineering discipline
• 5+ years of development experience in object-oriented language
• 2+ years of development experience in Python
• 2+ years of experience with Linux operating systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience leading a team of diverse individuals
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
• Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software used in real-world applications
• Experience with continuous integration and agile development
• Extensive knowledge of digital and analog interfaces, including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware, such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
• Knowledge of computer architecture and networks
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$165,000.00 - $265,000.00

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 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.

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 .