Skip to content

Avionics Integration & Test Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Avionics Integration and Test Engineers are responsible for acceptance and qualification tests of our satellite's electrical systems. They must have a deep working knowledge of the satellite's electrical architecture, factory checkouts, and the ability to investigate failed electrical hardware to determine root cause via telemetry and hardware investigations. A successful Avionics Integration and Test Engineer demonstrates engineering intuition and critical thinking and is comfortable working under ambiguous requirements with minimal oversight. The ultimate goal of the Integration and Test team is to ensure that Starshield satellites work properly once deployed into space and achieve their mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and validate electrical ground support equipment for testing Starshield satellites
  • Evaluate non-confirming electrical hardware to determine root cause failure modes and propose design improvements
  • Develop and automate vehicle checkout procedures for both integrated self tests and early-life mortality screens
  • Evaluate proposed flight designs for integration and impacts to vehicle level checkouts
  • Develop and maintain continuous integration test regression systems
  • Interface with software engineers to improve SpaceX developed automation infrastructure
  • Manage integration build flow and test operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics
  • 1+ years of design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience (internships, collegiate engineering projects such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, etc., or professional industry experience will be considered)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline
  • Experience with MATLAB, python, or other programming language
  • Experience with integration and testing of avionics, propulsion, thermal, and/or structural systems
  • Documentation and configuration management experience
  • Experience writing test plans, procedures and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale
  • Experience in a production environment
  • Demonstrated engineering intuition, critical thinking, comfort with ambiguity

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Some travel to other SpaceX sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission-critical deadlines
  • This position is very hands-on and requires one to be on their feet for extended periods of time, up to 4 hours at a time
  • Will often work side by side with our technicians and must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces
  • 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:             

Pay range:
Avionics Test Engineer/Level I: $105,000.00 - $122,500.00/per year
Avionics Test Engineer/Level II: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • 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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

Go to company profile