Lead Development Test Engineer - Thermal, Vibe & TVAC

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification testing of satellite hardware in Bastrop. You will own thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability, guiding large-scope projects from early trades through implementation.

Design, analysis, and manufacturing coordination are core; you will set processes, drive requirements, and activate systems that meet SpaceX’s stringent standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 3+ years 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 campaigns - 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.

Job description

SpaceX seeks a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification testing of satellite hardware in Bastrop. You will own thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability, guiding large-scope projects from early trades through implementation.

Design, analysis, and manufacturing coordination are core; you will set processes, drive requirements, and activate systems that meet SpaceX’s stringent standards.