Electronics Test Technician (Electromagnetic Effects)

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.

ELECTRONICS TEST TECHNICIAN (ELECTROMAGNETIC EFFECTS)

As a member of our fast-paced Electromagnetic Effects team, you will be responsible for ensuring avionics hardware performance through some of the harshest and varied electromagnetic environments imaginable. In order to ensure maximum reliability in a electromagnetic environments, the Electromagnetic Effects team performs exhaustive analysis, design, and test at the component, board, unit and subsystem levels with extensive opportunity to interact with a vast array of rocket and spacecraft hardware and electronics. As one of the few teams required to interface with the design, manufacturing, integration, and mission operations teams we play a critical role in the development of our systems as we advance our efforts towards broadband satellite internet and safe, reliable, inexpensive, and innovative access to space with the fundamental goal of expanding human space exploration capabilities. In this role, you will build and run the lab's test setups, including high-voltage and vacuum arc tests, automated test racks, and the fixtures and harnesses that connect them to hardware under test.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support engineers with standardized testing, root cause analysis and R&D projects
• Set up, run, and tear down high-voltage arc tests, including tests in vacuum chambers
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-voltage power supplies and vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, feedthroughs, leak checks)
• Build, wire, and integrate test racks from layout drawings and wiring diagrams, including rack-mount instruments, power distribution, patch panels, interlocks, and cable management, using grounding and bonding practices that keep measurement noise low
• Check out racks before releasing them to test: continuity, isolation, ground bond, power-on, and instrument communication
• Run automated test sequences, monitor results, and determine whether a failure comes from the unit under test, the fixture, or the script
• Record test data in a consistent format with serial numbers, configuration, and timestamps, and produce quick plots and summaries for engineers
• Read, interpret, and work from free-form drawings as well as from controlled documentation and processes
• Troubleshoot electronics hardware using equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and soldering equipment to determine root cause of failures
• Troubleshoot complex problems independently with minimal direction
• Design and fabricate electro-mechanical assemblies, harnesses and test fixtures from conceptual drawings
• Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, equipment calibration, lab consumables, JHAs, and safety procedures, including high-voltage and vacuum safety practices
• Keep rack and lab records current (instrument inventory, network addresses, firmware versions, calibration dates), and keep test scripts and configurations under version control (Git)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience fabricating test fixtures, harnesses, electro-mechanical assemblies, equipment racks, and/or control panels

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience operating and troubleshooting pressurized/vacuum systems (pumps, gauges, leak checking)
• Experience working safely around high-voltage or high-current test equipment, including lockout/tagout
• Experience building and wiring equipment racks or electrical control panels
• Experience with automated test sequences, data acquisition hardware, and oscilloscopes
• Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses, including soldering, crimping, and connector assembly; IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD-001 certification a plus
• Strong hands-on skillset and comfortable with basic tools and electro-mechanical tasks
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional troubleshooting skills and engineering fundamentals
• Strong understanding of technical documentation, engineering drawings, and schematics
• Ability to read and work from schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and parts lists
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills, a creative approach to problem solving, and strong engineering fundamentals
• Self-directed: takes a project goal and drives it to completion with minimal supervision on tight schedules
• Experience in research and development or fast-paced technical product development
• Able to program simple scripts in python for test logging and control
• Experience in research and development or fast-paced technical product development
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to navigate and manipulate files
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skill
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while operating in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to distinguish colors
• Willing to work overtime hours and weekends to support critical project and mission milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00
Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00
Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00

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.