Software Development Test Engineer

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Trusted

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Bastrop, TX
Posted: 37 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $167k

$121k most similar roles pay here $205k

This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay $137,500–$196,787.

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 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Software Development Test Engineer

Role Posting Log in to save

As a Software Development Test Engineer (Starlink), you will join a multidisciplinary team focused on building hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) test systems for the Starlink satellite constellation. You will design, build, and maintain reliable testbeds, infrastructure, and tooling to support continuous integration systems. Your daily work involves developing test cases, creating simulation environments that replicate on-orbit scenarios, and troubleshooting results to prevent software bugs from reaching production. The role specifically addresses testing technologies like space laser mesh networks, phased array antennas, and collision avoidance algorithms. Required skills include Python programming, CI/CD pipeline development, and experience with electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in 3D CAD software, programmable logic controllers, various communication protocols like CAN bus and SPI, and expertise with RF communications, networking hardware, and electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.

Skills

Python HIL HITL CI/CD RF 3D CAD USB VISA CAN bus SPI I2C Modbus OSI-model Unit Testing Data Analysis Oscilloscopes Spectrum Analyzers Electronic Loads

What you'll do

Design, build, and maintain reliable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds and supporting infrastructure for Starlink systems.
Develop comprehensive test cases and simulation environments that replicate real-world on-orbit scenarios.
Ensure software meets required levels of test coverage while balancing reliability, development velocity, and safety.
Create innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet to meet growing organizational testing demands.
Analyze and troubleshoot HITL test results to identify hardware issues and prevent software bugs from reaching production.
Develop tools and systems for testing industrial ground antennas, high-power amplifiers, and ground-to-space lasers.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in software, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
At least 1 year of professional test experience in electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering.
Experience in Python development.
Experience in CI/CD pipeline development.
Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and high voltage systems.
Proficiency with electrical test equipment like oscilloscopes, DAQs, electronic loads, and spectrum analyzers.
Knowledge of communication protocols (USB, VISA, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus) and OSI model layers 2-4.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.