Raptor Propulsion Test Engineer

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer (Raptor Components). You will pressure-test high‑pressure hardware, instrument it, and design tooling and ground support equipment.

The role spans development, qualification, and investigations, collaborating with engineers, suppliers, and manufacturing at factory and test sites. You will lead test plans, write procedures, and train teams; you will analyze data, set pass/fail criteria, and push for improvements to maximize learning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics.
• 1+ years hands-on experience with mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems.
• Hands-on pressure testing, proof testing or leak testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Own component test plans, procedures, campaigns, and pass/fail criteria through development to qualification.
• Execute pressure, proof, leak, functional, thermal, and vibration tests on Raptor components and avionics.
• Propose tests, plan resources, and coordinate peers to ensure timely testing.
• Design and improve test tooling, fixtures, and automated test systems for speed and safety.
• Write procedures and train technicians to run checks with minimal overhead.
• Serve as instrumentation and measurement expert, interpreting diagrams and data.
• Set rigorous qualification and acceptance testing standards as programs mature.
• Lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective actions with responsible engineers.

Skills

Pressure testing

Test tooling design

Test plan development

Propulsion components

Sensor selection

Python scripting

Failure investigation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics

Master’s degree (advantage)

Job description

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer (Raptor Components). You will pressure-test high‑pressure hardware, instrument it, and design tooling and ground support equipment.

The role spans development, qualification, and investigations, collaborating with engineers, suppliers, and manufacturing at factory and test sites. You will lead test plans, write procedures, and train teams; you will analyze data, set pass/fail criteria, and push for improvements to maximize learning