Electrical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)
Job description
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.
ELECTRICAL TEST ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance electrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems must operate in the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and develop automated test solutions for complex, space grade hardware
- Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
- Write automation software in Python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, field data, and production documentation systems
- Work closely with and consistently provide feedback to responsible design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and test lab teams to drive design or infrastructure improvements to increase product reliability and yield
- Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering
PREFERREDSKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field
- Strong grasp of analog control and discrete logic design
- Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
- Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs
- Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)
- Understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
- Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis
- Experience developing object-oriented software
- Thorough understanding of electronics reliability and failure mechanisms
- Understanding and experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration and TVAC
- Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
- Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
ADDITIONALREQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
ITARREQUIREMENTS
- 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.
Skills mentioned

Through groundbreaking technology, we are revolutionizing space exploration and transportation at SpaceX. Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX is dedicated to advancing human life by making it possible for people to live on other planets. We design, manufacture and launch the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft, achieving remarkable milestones such as being the first private company to successfully return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit in December 2010. Our Dragon spacecraft made history by attaching to the International Space Station in May 2012, completing a series of cargo resupply missions for NASA. Our pioneering efforts extend to developing the Starship system with the aim of making space travel accessible to both people and cargo. We are also enhancing global internet service with our Starlink satellite constellation, connecting millions of people around the world. Innovation drives us, and as the only provider with an orbital-class reusable rocket, we provide competitive launch services for both commercial and government customers. At SpaceX, we strive to increase access to space, working towards a future where humanity can inhabit other worlds.
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