Lead Development Test Engineer - Satellite Hardware

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas is seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer to lead a team responsible for development and qualification testing of satellite hardware. You will own thermal, environmental, structural, and vibration test programs, directing design, activation, safety, and reliability across campaigns from concept through implementation.

You will mentor engineers, drive standards, and partner with operations to deploy fast, safe test solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on design, analysis, build, and test.
• 2+ year 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, 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

Leadership

Test engineering

C++

Python

SQL

PLC

Documentation

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

EPLAN

Python

C++

SQL

Job description

SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas is seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer to lead a team responsible for development and qualification testing of satellite hardware. You will own thermal, environmental, structural, and vibration test programs, directing design, activation, safety, and reliability across campaigns from concept through implementation.

You will mentor engineers, drive standards, and partner with operations to deploy fast, safe test solutions.