Graduate Mechanical Test Engineer - Rockets & Test Systems

InvestedintheMission; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in the Central Texas (Waco, TX area) is seeking a new graduate Mechanical Engineer to support test operations for engines and propulsion components. You will set up tests, run tests, analyze data, and troubleshoot test stands and related equipment.

The role emphasizes hands-on work, collaboration with design engineers, and rapid progress in a fast-paced environment focused on safety, reliability, and mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of mechanical and/or fluids engineering experience via project team, research, internships, and/or professional experience
• Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in 2026 or 2027

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission
• Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication
• Provide daily directions and instructions to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation (DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments-based)
• Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including hypergols & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure
• Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
• Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety
• Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety
• Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware

Job description

SpaceX in the Central Texas (Waco, TX area) is seeking a new graduate Mechanical Engineer to support test operations for engines and propulsion components. You will set up tests, run tests, analyze data, and troubleshoot test stands and related equipment.

The role emphasizes hands-on work, collaboration with design engineers, and rapid progress in a fast-paced environment focused on safety, reliability, and mission success.