Software Engineer, Hardware Test & Automation (Optical Payloads)

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. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HARDWARE TEST & AUTOMATION (OPTICAL PAYLOADS) As a Software Engineer on the Starlink Integration & Test Team, your focus will be on developing integrated operations and automation for complex subassemblies and components that bring the Starlink Satellite to life. You will be responsible for systems that enable rapid development and accurate testing of Starlink software and hardware, with a continual focus on design, development, and building innovative test systems, from hardware designs to software infrastructure. Our engineers serve as software and hardware experts for the flight control devices and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our satellites - from attitude determination/control systems to Space Lasers and more. We design software and build systems that test flight components for maximum performance and reliability in extreme environments, with mission success being imperative. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – engineers on this team are curious, and collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale. 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 software that allows test execution across multiple environments: hardware-in-the-loop (HITL, HIL) and virtualized hardware simulations 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 ensure reliable test systems are delivered to production Invent tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a bachelor's degree Development experience in C, C++, or Python PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Extensive knowledge of Linux/Windows operating systems, computer architecture and networks Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary production environment Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains Experience with configuration management, version control software, continuous integration, and agile development Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electro-mechanical systems and ground-support equipment Ability to work in a dynamic environment independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner Solid fundamental knowledge of netw