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.

• →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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.