AstroTalentSpace Jobs

Test Specialist, Avionics (Starshield) Verified today

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-10-23
Apply at SpaceX →

Test Specialist, Avionics (Starshield)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Starshield satellites integrate a wide variety of payloads and are deployed at speed using SpaceX's rapid launch capability.

The Role

You will support the production of Starshield satellites by designing tooling and processes to build vehicles at increasing cadence. You'll contribute to daily production, troubleshoot issues, run Python-based test software, design first-article flight and ground support equipment (GSE), execute subsystem development testing, and support satellite qualification tests including thermal vacuum (TVAC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and design validation.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with engineers to develop and document test procedures on development and flight hardware
  • Perform tests according to procedures and automated scripts, providing data and preliminary results for pass/fail criteria
  • Design and fabricate hardware including harnessing, test fixtures, and server racks
  • Troubleshoot failing hardware and write rework instructions for hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and factory environments
  • Bring up and configure Linux-based servers for HITL and factory use
  • Support satellite qualification testing by performing satellite operations using work instructions
  • Fabricate and repair cable harnesses including soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors
  • Support development of test automation software in Python with engineering guidance

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 2+ years of experience 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 electromechanical schematics and interpret test results
  • Troubleshooting interconnected systems and implementing fixes
  • Experience installing and using test instrumentation sensors such as strain gauges, deflection gauges, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry
  • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio)
  • Experience with or interest in Python and Linux-based systems
  • Ability to work rapidly in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements

You must be able to stand for long periods, climb ladders, bend, grasp, sit, pull, push, stoop, and stretch. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted is required.

Work Schedule and Location

This role is onsite in Hawthorne, CA. Remote work is not available. You must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed. Some recurring testing events require a 4 a.m. start; 8 a.m. starts are possible on non-testing days.

Compensation

Pay range: Level 1: $33.00-$39.00/hour; Level 2: $37.00-$44.00/hour; Level 3: $41.00-$50.00/hour. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and employee stock purchase plans. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays per year, and paid sick leave in accordance with company policy.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.