Structural Test Engineer (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structural Test Engineer for the Starship program. The role focuses on leading system-level static and dynamic tests, integrating mechanical, fluid, electrical, and software components on test articles and stands.

You will collaborate with vehicle engineers, design and modify hardware, orchestrate data acquisition using NI-based systems, and guide technicians through instrumentation installation, test execution, and data review under schedule pressure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 1+ years testing, mechanical or data acquisition, and control system design experience.
• Ability to work with hazardous systems and under schedule pressure.
• Experience integrating electrical, mechanical, and software systems.

Responsibilities

• Work with vehicle engineers to design and execute static and dynamic system-level tests.
• Design, modify, and build mechanical components and structures.
• Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot fluid systems (high/low pressure, cryogenic fluids).
• Develop and maintain test procedures, scripts, and configuration files.
• Operate the test stand from setup through execution with a small team.
• Direct technicians to install instrumentation and wiring and assemble components.
• Review data manually or via automated scripts.

Skills

Learning agility

Project ownership

Hazardous systems testing

Systems integration

Education

Bachelors in engineering (ME, AE, EE or related)

Tools

NI-DAQ

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

STRUCTURAL TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

This position is a test engineer for the Starship Structural Test team. This team develops, designs, builds, and executes large system-level static and dynamic structural tests.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with vehicle engineers, develop and execute static and dynamic system-level structural tests from conception. This includes test article and test stand configuration, boundary conditions, fluid, electrical, and software schematics, and concept of operations
• Design, modify, and build mechanical systems. Systems include small lugs and brackets through large structural weldments
• Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot fluid systems. Systems include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids, rocket propellants (including cryogenic propellants), and hydraulic load control systems
• Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot data acquisition (DAQ) and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily NI-based, and instruments include strain gages, pressure transducers, deflection gages, load cells, thermocouples, and resistance temperature detectors (RTD)
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software
• Operate the test stand from test assembly and activation through test execution with a small team of engineers and technicians
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to integrate test articles and hardware (install instrumentation and wiring, assemble small and large mechanical components, repair metallic structures, pressurize and functional check pressure systems, lift and transport large structures)
• Review data manually or using automatic scripts

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering field
• 1+ years of experience with testing, mechanical or data acquisition, and control system design (internships and college competition team count)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and adapt to new situations - unfazed by challenges that go beyond the traditional comfort zone or experience
• Experience in project ownership under technical and schedule pressure, and where the scope and definition were limited
• Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases and fluids, etc.)
• Experience working on projects that involve the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems (launch vehicle and/or spacecraft experience is not required)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affifeative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].