Satellite Systems Engineer - Operations & Automation (Satellite R&D) at SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA, United States
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.
SATELLITE SYSTEMS ENGINEER - OPERATIONS & AUTOMATION (SATELLITE R&D)
The spacecraft engineering team in Hawthorne is growing to support our R&D satellite programs that are pushing the boundaries of in-space capabilities. Our missions support scientific research, classified national security space and commercial opportunities. As we grow our classified mission manifest, we are looking for Systems Engineers to join our team.
As a Satellite Systems Engineer, you will have a unique opportunity to characterize, develop, and operate new satellite platforms in space. In the operations role, you will be in direct control of satellites throughout their lifetime, starting with ground integration, test and launch and concluding with on-orbit operations. You will work with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, and electrical design engineers to understand and evaluate how the satellite should be operated and then execute on that vision. Working as a cross disciplinary expert, you will ensure that the software running the vehicle is safe and reliable. This will require you to make updates to code that not only alerts you to issues on-orbit, but also safely recovers the vehicle autonomously from myriad anomalies, ensuring continued mission success. You will help develop and refine the tool chains needed to make the daily operations more accessible and through a process of continuous improvement, you will automate the operations of the satellite to the point of minimal operator intervention.
An active Top Secret security clearance, or ability to obtain one, is desired but not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to represent the avionics system in defining scope, system requirements, and vehicle level operations software
Own full systems and avionics sub-system operational knowledge, fault detection, and alerts
Own operations throughout ground integration, test, launch, and on-orbit mission operations
Support on-orbit operations throughout the life of the satellites
Create and maintain detailed project schedules ensuring that all assigned personnel are aware of theirs tasks and deadlines, identifying required resources to meet those deadlines
Support integration and test in the SpaceX satellite factory, customer facilities, and launch site to ensure mission success
Define and perform checkouts to integrate hardware and software on a flight vehicle
Design and develop flight representative simulations using software-in-the-loop or hardware-in-the-loop testbeds to validation operations for flight
Improvement and creation of tool chains to autonomously monitor and execute operations and process data for analysis
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
6+ months of experience in system level engineering development and/or hands on system level testing (including internships, design/build/compete collegiate project teams)
6+ months of experience authoring and reviewing software (including internships, design/build/compete collegiate project teams, academic/personal projects)
U.S. Citizen
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Systems knowledge of space vehicles and redundancy architectures
2+ years of experience in a test/automation/integration engineering role
Familiarity with Linux based operating systems
Experience with automating complex systems
Experience with satellite attitude determination and orbital mechanics
Experience with real time operations on space qualified vehicles or other highly complex systems
Creative, passionate problem solver that can thrive leading multidisciplinary teams through fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding design and integration campaigns
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one desired but not required
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical operations
Some travel may be required, ~20%
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
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
