This role pays more than
68%
of similar roles. Most pay
$136,901–$197,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$185k
versus about
$167k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
720 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 511 roles with salary data.
Lead Avionics Test Engineer (Starshield) joins the Starshield Components Test Team to drive complex electrical test problems toward resolution for high-volume communication satellites and ground stations. This role involves providing technical leadership, managing projects, and mentoring direct reports to develop electrical, mechanical, optical, RF, and software solutions that validate hardware functionality in orbit or on earth. The engineer will own all aspects of test development, including requirements evaluation, system development, and factory integration while creating modular, reusable Python code to automate manufacturing processes and tests. Key responsibilities include developing reliable autonomous test systems and infrastructure capable of scaling to large numbers of devices under test. The role requires expertise in electrical systems, computer architecture, networks, and engineering fundamentals to support rapid design iterations for flight hardware and software within the national security domain.
Drive complex electrical test problems to resolution for satellite components and ground stations.
Manage projects and delegate responsibilities to ensure testing goals are met on time.
Develop and enforce standardized processes for test system deliverables.
Design and develop highly reliable autonomous test systems.
Own all aspects of test development, including requirements evaluation and factory integration.
Create modular, reusable Python software to automate manufacturing processes and tests.
Build scalable test infrastructure to support a large number of devices under test.
Validate flight hardware through close collaboration with design and manufacturing engineers.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
2+ years of professional design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience with aerospace vehicles, payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies.
1+ years of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects, or people.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
Experience leading a team of diverse individuals (preferred).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (preferred).
Thorough knowledge of electrical systems, computer architecture, and networks (preferred).
Developed, debugged, and deployed electrical test systems used in real-world applications (preferred).
Python
MATLAB
C++
Embedded C
Oscilloscopes
Spectrum Analyzers
Vector Network Analyzers
Signal Generators
HALT
HASS
EMI/EMC
TVAC
Metrology
Automation Software
Python
MATLAB
C++
Embedded C
Oscilloscopes
Spectrum Analyzers
Vector Network Analyzers
Signal Generators
EMI/EMC
HALT
HASS
Metrology
Electrical Schematics