Lead Development Test Engineer – Hardware & Systems

Spacex; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification testing of satellite hardware in Bastrop. You will own the thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability from design through activation, ensuring safety, reliability, and robust testing processes.

You will guide cross-functional testing solutions, mentor engineers, and drive campaigns from concept to implementation, including GSE design and integration with

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers 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 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

Hands-on design/analysis/test

Team leadership

Development test engineering

Thermal testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline

Tools

CAD

FEA

FEM

NX

SolidWorks

EPLAN

Python

C++

SQL

PLC

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification testing of satellite hardware in Bastrop. You will own the thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability from design through activation, ensuring safety, reliability, and robust testing processes.

You will guide cross-functional testing solutions, mentor engineers, and drive campaigns from concept to implementation, including GSE design and integration with