Starship Test Engineer: Integrated Vehicle Validation

Future Ventures; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for the Starship program to lead initial spacecraft testing, develop validation procedures, and optimize test workflows. You will drive cross‑functional collaboration with design, build, and systems teams to ensure rapid, safe production readiness.

You will apply expertise in propulsion and avionics test, write test plans, develop automation, and support training across production and engineering staff in a high‑pace, high‑reliability environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and hands-on engineering experience.
• Experience in streamlining test operations and eliminating waste.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and fluid schematics.
• Experience with propulsion and/or electrical systems testing.
• Experience planning and executing complex test operations.
• Experience developing test software and automation.
• Experience designing and operating test equipment.
• Experience creating test plans and go/no-go decisions.
• Familiarity with Rust, Python, or similar languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep understanding of vehicle avionics/propulsion architecture and integrated system operation.
• Establish pass/fail criteria for integrated vehicle checkouts.
• Create procedures for validation of evolving spacecraft.
• Improve testing efficiency and safety of vehicle testing.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues in real time and drive corrective actions.
• Coordinate with design, build, systems engineering, and production leadership.
• Lead training to build test execution capability in production and engineering teams.
• Define requirements for GSE projects to enable checkouts and production rate.
• Contribute to Starship production line improvements and cost/performance optimization.

Skills

Test operations optimization

Systems engineering

Electrical & fluid schematics

Propulsion/electrical testing

Test operations planning

Test software automation

Test equipment design

Test plans/procedures/go-no-go

Rust/Python software

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for the Starship program to lead initial spacecraft testing, develop validation procedures, and optimize test workflows. You will drive cross‑functional collaboration with design, build, and systems teams to ensure rapid, safe production readiness.

You will apply expertise in propulsion and avionics test, write test plans, develop automation, and support training across production and engineering staff in a high‑pace, high‑reliability environment.