Test Specialist (Starshield)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

The Test Specialist role is responsible for supporting the initial bring-up and future production of Starshield satellites. This includes designing tooling (electrical checkout racks, vehicle harnessing, DAQ setups etc.) and processes (vehicle checkout software, harness/component integration, troubleshooting procedures, etc.) to build Starshield vehicles at a continually increasing rapid cadence. Test Specialists will be expected to contribute to daily production activities, including dispositioning and troubleshooting issues, providing feedback and basic test software (Python-based) improvements to reduce false failures and improve test coverage, designing first-article flight and GSE hardware, working with engineers to execute sub-system development testing, and aiding production technicians. Test Specialists will also occasionally provide support with setting up and executing vehicle-level qualification tests, including thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC), electromagnetic interference (EMI) and other design validation tests.

• →Collaborate with engineers to develop and document test procedures on both development and flight hardware
• →Perform tests with engineers according to test procedures and automated test scripts while providing data and preliminary test results to derive a pass/fail criteria from each test
• →Assist in the design and fabrication of hardware including: Harnessing, test fixtures, and server racks
• →Troubleshoot and write rework instructions for failing hardware in both hardware in the loop (HITL) and factory environments
• →Perform bringing up and configuration of Linux based servers for use in HITL and factory environments following standardized procedures
• →Support satellite qualification testing by performing satellite operations using work instructions developed alongside engineers
• →Fabricate and repair cable harnesses including: Soldering, crimping, assembling connectors
• →Support development of test automation software (Python) with guidance from engineering

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or technical discipline; or high school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on engineering technician or specialist role

• 1+ years of experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices
• 5+ years of experience reading electrical schematics to rework boards or perform tests
• Experience with test operations procedures including thermal, vibration, thermal vacuum, shock and EMI (electrical magnetic interference) and safe handling of flight parts
• Ability to read electro-mechanical schematics to interpret test results and understand system functionality
• Ability to troubleshoot interconnected systems and determine root causes and implement fixes
• Experience installing and use test instrumentation sensors, such as: strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio) and ability to navigate and manipulate files
• Experience with or interest in development of software in Python, and working with Linux based systems
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

• Must be willing to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends as needed
• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs, unassisted
• Ability to stand, climb, walk, and work with object overhead
• Willing to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendor sites as needed
• This position requires being onsite in Hawthorne, CA, remote work not considered 

• 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 [email protected].