---
title: 'Software Development Test Engineer (Starlink) at SpaceX'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/software-development-test-engineer-starlink-spacex-bastrop-7far770q3x6g'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-13'
---

# Software Development Test Engineer (Starlink) at SpaceX

- **Company:** SpaceX
- **Location:** Bastrop, TX
- **Posted:** 2026-08-05
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-13
- **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/spacex/jobs/8675233002?gh_jid=8675233002

## Job description

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.

## SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we are leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. Our mission is to design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system, including thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that integrates it all. We are just beginning to explore Starlink's potential global impact and are seeking top-tier engineers to help maximize its utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Software Development Test Engineer for Starlink, you will be responsible for designing and building “hardware-in-the-loop” (HIL/HITL) test systems. These systems allow for Starlink software engineers to build technologies such as space laser mesh networks, next-generation phased array antennas, advanced collision avoidance algorithms, and much more. You will be working with a multidisciplinary team on efforts such as constructing a platform to test industrial ground antennas, high-power amplifiers, ground-to-space lasers, and more. You will also be collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that we provide a highly effective, user-friendly integrated test platform.

## RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Design, build, and maintain highly reliable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testbeds—including surrounding infrastructure, tooling, and support equipment—for the Starlink software continuous integration system
- Develop test cases and create simulation environments that replicate on-orbit scenarios to deliver flight-like testing capabilities
- Ensure all software has an appropriate level of test coverage, balancing reliability, velocity and safety
- Pioneer innovative strategies to scale the HITL fleet in accordance with the Starlink software organization’s growing test demands
- Analyze and troubleshoot HITL test results to identify testbed issues and prevent software bugs from reaching production

## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor’s degree in software, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
- 1+ years of professional test experience within electrical, mechanical, and/or aerospace engineering
- Development experience in Python
- Experience in CI/CD pipeline development

## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

- Experience with integration and testing of electrical, electromechanical, RF, and/or high voltage systems
- Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DAQs, electronic loads, and spectrum analyzers
- Experience with 3D CAD software for design, modeling, and manufacturing applications
- Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Experience with communication protocols including USB, VISA, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, and Modbus
- Experience working with networking hardware and troubleshooting layers 2-4 of the OSI-model
- Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
- Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, math, and physics
- Experience with simulation software and data analysis
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a dynamic environment

## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

- Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed

## 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](https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987).

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.

## About SpaceX

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft while building a global satellite broadband network and AI infrastructure to enable interplanetary life.
- **Entity Type**: Public (Nasdaq: SPCX) – IPO priced at $135/share on June 12, 2026
- **Headquarters**: Starbase, Texas (primary); Hawthorne, California (historical headquarters)
- **Founded**: 2002
- **Founders**: Elon Musk

## Core Business
- **Industries**: Aerospace & Defense, Spaceflight, Satellite Telecommunications, Artificial Intelligence
- **Target Customers**: Government (NASA, U.S. Armed Forces, international agencies), Commercial satellite operators, Broadband consumers (Starlink), Defense/intelligence (Starshield)
- **Mission**: To make humanity multiplanetary by building the integrated hardware and software infrastructure of the future across space, connectivity, and AI.

## Products & Services
- **Falcon 9**: Reusable two-stage rocket – the world’s most launched orbital rocket, with over 630 successful first-stage reflights.
- **Falcon Heavy**: Heavy-lift launch vehicle composed of three Falcon 9 cores; capable of lifting nearly 64 metric tons to orbit.
- **Starship**: Fully reusable super-heavy launch vehicle and spacecraft (largest ever built) designed for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
- **Dragon 2**: Crew and cargo spacecraft used for NASA Commercial Crew and private missions to the ISS and beyond.
- **Starlink**: Low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation providing high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to over 10.3 million people globally.
- **Starshield**: Military-grade satellite services for national security and defense customers.
- **SpaceXAI**: Division focused on AI compute infrastructure, frontier models, and real-time data processing (including AI compute satellites).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Conflicting reports – Internal share offer in 2025 valued SpaceX at **$800 billion**; IPO pricing (June 2026) implied a market capitalization of approximately **$75 billion** for the shares offered.
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of **$15.0 billion** (2025); total funding raised **$15.2 billion** across 56 rounds.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Google (led $1B Series G), Intesa Sanpaolo, NASA, U.S. Space Force, and numerous institutional investors.
- **Growth Signals**: Employee headcount of **11,387** (monthly growth +2.5%); **1,671 active job postings**; Falcon 9 launch cadence of 1–3 per week; Starlink subscriber base covering ~10.3 million people; recent acquisition of xAI (February 2026).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Full reusability**: Only company with a fleet of reusable orbital rockets (Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy), dramatically lowering per-launch cost.
- **Vertical integration**: Designs, manufactures, and operates its own rockets, spacecraft, satellite constellation, and AI platform – enabling rapid iteration and cost control.
- **Scale and reliability**: More orbital launches per year than any other provider (public or private); proven track record with NASA and DoD.
- **First-mover in commercial spaceflight**: Established crew transport, satellite internet, and now AI compute in orbit.

## Strategic Focus
- **Starship development**: Complete testing and operational deployment of the fully reusable Starship system for lunar (Artemis) and Mars missions.
- **Starlink expansion**: Grow subscriber base, launch V3 satellites, and extend mobile and direct-to-cell services.
- **AI integration**: Leverage SpaceXAI for on-orbit compute and real-time data analytics; build AI compute satellites.
- **Interplanetary infrastructure**: Develop technologies for sustained human presence on the Moon and Mars.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-driven culture**: Employees directly contribute to making life multiplanetary – “hard work and innovative solutions result in big gains.”
- **Impactful projects**: Work on reusable rockets, crewed spacecraft, global broadband, and AI systems that are actively changing the space industry.
- **Compensation**: Competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and equity packages.
- **Work locations**: Primary campuses in Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX (with additional sites in Cape Canaveral, FL and Vandenberg, CA). Roles span engineering, software, manufacturing, and support.
- **Engineering culture**: Merit-based, fast-paced, with high ownership; top talent sourced from Tesla, Boeing, NASA JPL, and other aerospace leaders.
- **Open roles**: Over 1,600 active positions across software, AI, avionics, propulsion, supply chain, and more – including internships.

## Sources
1. [SpaceX Careers Page](https://www.spacex.com/careers)
2. [LinkedIn – SpaceX Company Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacex)
3. [SpaceX IPO Factsheet (PDF)](https://content.spacex.com/cms-assets/FINAL_Documents%20and%20Updates/SpaceX%20IPO_Factsheet.pdf)
4. [SpaceX IPO Pricing Press Release](https://ir.spacex.com/updates/releases-details/2026/Space-Exploration-Technologies-Corp--Announces-Pricing-of-Initial-Public-Offering/default.aspx)
5. [SpaceX Jobs Board (Greenhouse)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/spacex)

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