Propulsion Components Test Engineer — Starship (Hands-On)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Test Engineer, Propulsion Components (Starship) to join the Components Test Organization, focusing on instrumentation and test expertise for flight hardware development.

You will design test plans, campaigns, and support anomaly investigations while collaborating with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to validate test systems and ensure safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems (internships and project teams qualify).

Responsibilities

• Fill the role of instrumentation and test expert on the flight hardware development team
• Develop the detailed test plans and campaigns required to validate the flight hardware
• Assist with anomaly/failure investigations
• Develop requirements for new test systems needed to test and validate flight hardware
• Work with a cross‑discipline team including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to conceptualize and develop new test systems required to test and validate flight hardware
• Train personnel on the required processes and operations of complex test systems
• Ensure all testing is conducted in compliance with all safety protocols, at all times

Skills

Mechanical concepts

Drivetrain concepts

Electrical concepts

Test-focused experience

Product ownership

Measurement devices

Reading drawings

Mathematical/problem solving

Communication skills

Propulsion systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering

Tools

CAD

Test equipment

Measurement equipment

Job description

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Test Engineer, Propulsion Components (Starship) to join the Components Test Organization, focusing on instrumentation and test expertise for flight hardware development.

You will design test plans, campaigns, and support anomaly investigations while collaborating with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to validate test systems and ensure safety compliance.