Avionics Systems Engineer (Special Programs)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

AVIONICS SYSTEMS ENGINEER (SPECIAL PROGRAMS) 

As an Avionics Systems Engineer on the Special Programs team, you will architect, integrate, and test the avionics systems for new SpaceX vehicles. Our programs are early in their life cycle, so you will work on the vehicle while the design is still taking shape and see your decisions through integration, test, and launch. 

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers who are comfortable making decisions without all available data and owning the results through first flight. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Define avionics architecture and requirements for new vehicles, including power, data, RF, and sensor topologies 
• Work directly with other responsible engineers on structures, propulsion, GNC, software, and customer teams to define and close vehicle electrical interfaces 
• Design vehicle wiring diagrams and harnesses, and own the electrical integration of avionics boxes, sensors, and actuators into the vehicle 
• Perform system-level trades on mass, power, thermal, manufacturability, cost, and schedule to drive design decisions early in the program 
• Plan and execute system-level integration and test, including integration lane checkouts and vehicle-level testing, and support hardware-in-the-loop testing with partner teams 
• Develop, execute, and document system verification on flight and flight-representative hardware, and validate the as-built vehicle is “go for launch” 
• Troubleshoot issues on integrated vehicles and test setups on an aggressive development schedule 
• Support launch operations on console, including real-time troubleshooting of the vehicle 
• Develop tools and automation for test, analysis, and manipulation of large data sets 
• Lead system projects, including development schedules, task ownership, and the internal and external resources required to support them 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
• 1+ years of experience using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ 
• 1+ years of experience with electrical component design, system-level integration of electronic components, or system-level testing 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Experience defining system architecture and interfaces for an electromechanical system, working across engineering disciplines 
• Experience with wire harness design, wiring diagrams, and associated sub-components (connectors, backshells, shielding) 
• Experience with system-level integration and test of electrical or avionics systems, such as hardware-in-the-loop, integration checkouts, or vehicle-level testing 
• Experience supporting real-time operations such as launch, flight, or test console support 
• Experience on a new product or vehicle development program from concept through first build 
• Software fluency, including AI-assisted coding and analysis tools, enabling automation of test or analysis tasks and manipulation of large data sets 
• Experience with common avionics interfaces and networks such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, SPI, and I2C 
• Competence with electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.) 
• Creative problem solver that can bring multiple disciplines together with the ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data 
• Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication, and documentation skills 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere 
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones 
• Occasional travel to vendor, test, and integration sites may be required 
• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs. 
• Note that 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 

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.

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