Starship Development Test Engineer

InvestedintheMission; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Test Engineer for Starship development to design, execute and optimize tests for engines, components, and spacecraft. You will own test campaigns, guide technicians, and develop robust test procedures while ensuring safety and reliability in a high‑ paced environment.

The role requires a mechanical or aerospace engineering background with hands-on testing experience, familiarity with propulsion systems, and capability to work with cryogenic fluids and complex instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical or related engineering field.
• 1+ years of hands-on testing experience; internships or clubs count.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute tests for engines, components, and spacecraft.
• Experience writing and maintaining test procedures and hardware instructions.
• Ability to read technical manuals, schematics and design specifications.
• Strong communication and teamwork, especially in rapid pace operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tests at engine and component levels to evaluate hardware performance.
• Own test campaigns from plan creation to test stand equipment design/fabrication.
• Provide direction to technicians for fabrication and integration of test articles.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, and software.
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems and instrumentation.
• Handle fluids and propulsion systems, including cryogenics and hypergols.
• Automate repetitive test operations to improve efficiency and safety.
• Identify system hazards and work with design engineers on improvements.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical systems

Hazardous systems knowledge

High-pressure system design

Instrumentation and control components

Coding languages (Python, Matlab, C/C,

Data review and root cause analysis

Test procedures and work instructions

Team collaboration under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Inventor

CATIA

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Test Engineer for Starship development to design, execute and optimize tests for engines, components, and spacecraft. You will own test campaigns, guide technicians, and develop robust test procedures while ensuring safety and reliability in a high‑ paced environment.

The role requires a mechanical or aerospace engineering background with hands-on testing experience, familiarity with propulsion systems, and capability to work with cryogenic fluids and complex instrumentation.