Sr. Avionics Systems Engineer (Special Programs)

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. SR. AVIONICS SYSTEMS ENGINEER (SPECIAL PROGRAMS) As a Sr. Avionics Systems Engineer on the Special Programs team, you will lead the architecture, integration, and test of the avionics systems for new SpaceX vehicles. Our programs are early in their life cycle, so you will help set the technical direction of the vehicle avionics system while the design is still taking shape, mentor the engineers who carry it forward, and see it through integration, test, and launch. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers who are comfortable making decisions without all available data and owning the results through first flight. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Lead avionics system architecture for new vehicles, including power, data, RF, and sensor topologies • Drive closure of vehicle electrical interfaces by working directly with other responsible engineers on structures, propulsion, GNC, software, and customer teams • Lead vehicle wiring diagram and harness architecture, and set integration standards for avionics boxes, sensors, and actuators • Drive system-level trades on mass, power, thermal, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule, and present recommendations to program leadership • Lead system-level integration and test, including integration lane checkouts and vehicle-level testing, and partner with the teams that own hardware-in-the-loop testing • Define the avionics system verification strategy and lead the test campaigns that show the as-built vehicle is “go for launch” • Lead root cause investigations on integrated-vehicle issues and drive corrective actions into the design • Support launch operations on console, including real-time troubleshooting and decision-making on the vehicle • Mentor systems engineers, review designs and test plans, and raise the technical standard of the team • Plan and lead system projects, including schedules, task ownership, and the internal and external resources required to support them BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline • 5+ years of experience with electrical component design, system-level integration of electronic components, or system-level testing • 2+ years of experience using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • Experience leading avionics or electrical system architecture for a vehicle, spacecraft, or other complex electromechanical product • Experience taking a new vehicle or product from concept through first build and test • Experience defining system-level verification and test programs for flight or high-reliability hardware • Experience leading real-time operations such as launch, flight, or test console support • Experience with wire harness design, wiring diagrams, and associated sub-components (connectors, backshells, shielding) • Experience with common avionics interfaces and networks such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-422, SPI, and I2C • Software fluency, including AI-assisted coding and analysis tools, enabling automation of test or analysis tasks and manipulation of large data sets • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical teams without relying solely on formal authority • Experience communicating technical direction, risks, and recommendations to program leadership • 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 • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones • Occasional travel to vendor, test, and integration sites may be required • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs. • Note that 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 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 3: $140,000.00 - $230,000.00 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 eligib