Test Specialist, Avionics (Starshield) Verified today
Test Specialist, Avionics (Starshield)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. Starshield satellites are designed for government use, with an initial focus on Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. They integrate a wide variety of payloads and are built using SpaceX's full-stack approach from launch vehicles to user terminals.
The Test Specialist, Avionics role supports production of Starshield satellites. You will design tooling and processes to build Starshield vehicles at increasing cadence, including electrical checkout racks, vehicle harnessing, and data acquisition setups. You'll contribute to daily production activities, troubleshoot issues, run Python-based test software, and design first-article flight and ground support equipment. You will work with engineers to execute subsystem development testing, support technicians with satellite production, and help set up and run vehicle-level qualification tests such as thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and design validation tests.
Responsibilities
- 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; provide data and preliminary results to derive pass/fail criteria
- Assist in 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, and assembling connectors
- Support development of test automation software using Python with guidance from engineering
Basic Qualifications
- High school degree or equivalency certificate
- 2+ years of experience working in a hands-on technical position or a bachelor's degree in an engineering field
- 1+ years of experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering field
- 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, 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 using 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 and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
- Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules