Sr. Software Engineer, Components Test (Starshield)

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, COMPONENTS TEST (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 Starshield Test team develops test and manufacture processes for the most advanced spacecraft components in the world. Our engineers serve as software and hardware experts for the flight control devices and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our satellites - from inertial control devices, to network hardware and more. We design software and build the systems that test the flight components for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with mission success being imperative.

Testing is a fundamental quality check and last line of defense before our products are installed for flight. As a Software Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop 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 including hardware, software, and the interface between the two.

We are looking for people who excel at solving complex problems, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and contribute as a team player to build new capabilities and innovate in our testing approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of experience in software development; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• Development experience in C, C++, or Python; or full stack software development experience 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
• Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc.) 
• Experience with configuration management and version control software
• Experience with continuous integration and agile development
• Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
• Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
• Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains
• Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion
• Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
• Experience with spacecraft fluid systems
• Experience with high power electrical systems
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems
• Experience with embedded hardware product development

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: