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, PAYLOAD ACCOMMODATIONS (FALCON)

As an Avionics Systems Engineer in Falcon Avionics, you will have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between vehicle analysis, design, and production extending through vehicle operations; equally anchored in all disciplines positions you the ability to spearhead change at the inception of product development, through production, to vehicle system validation, as part of the team that focuses on payload accommodations and the autonomous flight termination system (AFSS) for Falcon.

Your creativity and relentless commitment to quality will be expected to analyze systems designs, define new processes, and develop vehicle validation techniques in order to ultimately support a state-of-the-art reusable space launch vehicle system capable of safely and reliably carrying crew and payloads. You will also put your engineering knowledge to the test by performing real-time troubleshooting on the vehicle as it goes from the integration phase through launch operations. Our fundamental goal is to allow humanity to explore the stars; with it comes extreme responsibility to ensure the safety of the crew and payload.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent the avionics system in vehicle-level cross-disciplinary trades and troubleshoot issues on prototype and production assemblies on an aggressive production schedule
• Work collaboratively with other internal teams, customers and regulators to define the scope of development projects and initial product requirements as new designs move from concept, through prototype, and into production
• Act as customer facing subject matter expert preparing presentations and supporting hardware testing at customer facility and launch site to validate SpaceX design meets customer and regulatory requirements
• Perform design and manufacturing assessments of new designs and drive optimization for manufacturability, quality, and cost
• Assist on the conceptual development, requirements definition, and design of ordnance and AFSS components
• Provide user documentation and recommendations to data packages to support internal and external technical reviews for ordnance and AFSS components
• Identify internal and external resources required to support having a constant supply of ordnance to support an aggressive launch schedule; work with department management to ensure that these resources are assigned to the project

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, science or math
• 1+ experience using software tools such as MATLAB, C++ or Python
• 2+ years of academic or professional experience with electrical component design, system level integration of electronic components or system level testing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with wire harnesses and associated sub-components
• Experience with 3D CAD software
• Experience installing and troubleshooting various electronic sensors and components
• Competence with electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.)
• Experience with ordnance and flight termination systems
• 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
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to support extended hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines
• Minimal travel will be required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Pay Range: 

Avionics Systems Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year

Avionics Systems Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.