Development Test Engineer - Space Systems Hardware

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Test Engineer for Starlink Development Test in Texas. You will design, fabricate, and operate test stands for next-generation hardware, ensuring reliability with tight margins. The role requires hands-on experience with hydraulic/structural systems, data acquisition, and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.

Join a fast-paced, mission-driven team focused on space-grade hardware, with travel up to 25% and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 1+ years of experience in mechanical structures design and/or high-pressure systems.
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists
• Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms
• Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems
• Operate test stands with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error, so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer)
• Develop test requirements with the flight engineering team, develop a design solution that meets or exceeds those requirements, and drive the campaign to closure

Skills

Hydraulic systems

Thermal systems

Structural analysis

Electromechanical systems

High pressure systems

Vacuum systems

Test instrumentation

Data acquisition

Troubleshooting

Hands-on fabrication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

Unigraphics NX

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Test Engineer for Starlink Development Test in Texas. You will design, fabricate, and operate test stands for next-generation hardware, ensuring reliability with tight margins. The role requires hands-on experience with hydraulic/structural systems, data acquisition, and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.

Join a fast-paced, mission-driven team focused on space-grade hardware, with travel up to 25% and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines.