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Jobs · Information Technology · Washington

Electrical Test and Reliability Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX · Redmond, WA · 4 days ago
On-siteInformation Technology$105k–$145k/yrFull-time

About the role

SpaceX is developing the technologies needed to enable human life on Mars, and its Starlink program is the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, consisting of the largest satellite constellation. As an Electrical Test and Reliability Engineer on Starlink, you will work at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and antenna engineering to ensure satellite hardware can survive the harsh environment of space and maintain communication with millions of users worldwide. You will be placed on one of several sub‑teams within the Starlink Hardware Engineering group at the Redmond facility, including Gateways, Hardware Test and Automation, Failure Analysis, and On‑Orbit Reliability, based on technical fit, expertise, and personal preference.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop automated test solutions for avionics and payload hardware.
  • Select commercial‑off‑the‑shelf hardware 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.
  • Provide hands‑on support for hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, silicon design, and other adjacent disciplines to deliver tightly integrated, high‑performance hardware.
  • Perform electrical bench testing and develop engineering models of failures to replicate and inform mitigation of anomalies.
  • Drive continual improvements to designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both on‑orbit and in the lab.
  • Challenge assumptions and devise simple solutions to complex problems.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another STEM discipline.
  • 1+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering (internship experience is acceptable).

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a similar engineering field.
  • Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++).
  • Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans.
  • Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs.
  • Proficiency with test equipment and measurement techniques (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.).
  • Thorough understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage.
  • Deep knowledge of electronics reliability and failure mechanisms.
  • Experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, and TVAC.
  • Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly cross‑functional role.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission‑critical deadlines.
  • Some roles may require on‑call duty on a week‑long rotational schedule (On‑Orbit Reliability only).

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: Level 1 – $105,000 – $145,000; Level 2 – $120,000 – $175,000. Base salary is determined case‑by‑case based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Total rewards include long‑term incentives (company stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
  • Life insurance.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Various employee discounts and perks.
  • Three weeks of paid vacation plus 10 or more paid holidays per year.
  • Accrued paid sick time in compliance with Washington State law.
  • Company shuttles for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office, Monday‑Friday.

ITAR Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, an asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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