Test Specialist, Avionics (Starshield)

TEST SPECIALIST, AVIONICS (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.

The Test Specialist, Avionics role is responsible for supporting the production of Starshield satellites. This includes designing tooling (electrical checkout racks, vehicle harnessing, DAQ setups etc.) and processes (vehicle checkout software, harness/component integration, troubleshooting procedures, etc.) to build Starshield vehicles at a continually increasing and rapid cadence. Test Specialists are expected to contribute to daily production activities, including dispositioning and troubleshooting issues, providing feedback, and running basic Python-based test software improvements to reduce false failures and improve test coverage. They also design first-article flight and GSE hardware, work with engineers to execute sub-system development testing, aid technicians with satellite production, and provide support with setting up and executing vehicle-level qualification tests, such as, thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and other 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 while providing data and preliminary test results to derive a pass/fail criteria from each test
• Assist in the 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, 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