Lead Dev Test Engineer: Thermal, Vibration & TVAC Pro

Spacex; Bastrop (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification test of satellite hardware in Bastrop. You will own design, activation, safety, and reliability of thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability (HASS, HALT, TVAC, static/dynamic/vibe).

The role spans design, analysis, and manufacturing. You will lead a team of engineers, drive cross-functional testing solutions, and own test stands and GSE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on design, analysis, build, and test.
• 2+ years leading a product development, manufacturing engineering, or project team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team enabling rapid hardware development through test — thermal, fluids, environmental chambers, structural, vibration, and dynamic test.
• Oversee and own development-focused thermal chambers (HASS / HALT) and, as capability stands up, TVAC — hardware, fixturing, profiles, instrumentation, controls/dashboards, safety
• Oversee structural, vibration, pressure, and related mechanical test: test article and stand configuration, boundary conditions, schematics, CONOPS
• Act as technical decision maker and advisor to the team
• Coach and develop direct reports; set clear goals
• Develop, document, and implement cross-functional testing solutions (capability, coverage, safety)
• Design and implement GSE: fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure
• Operate and activate stands with engineers and technicians; partner with Development Operations for fab (you do not own technician people ops)

Skills

Team leadership

Test and qualification

Engineering analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

EPLAN

Job description

SpaceX in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification test of satellite hardware in Bastrop. You will own design, activation, safety, and reliability of thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability (HASS, HALT, TVAC, static/dynamic/vibe).

The role spans design, analysis, and manufacturing. You will lead a team of engineers, drive cross-functional testing solutions, and own test stands and GSE.