Test Engineer (Dragon)

SpaceX; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a TEST ENGINEER (DRAGON) to support Dragon propulsion and engine testing. You will develop and execute tests, own test campaigns, and work with technicians to fabricate test articles and stand equipment.

The role requires solving complex testing challenges under a fast-paced environment. Qualifications include a bachelor’s in engineering and hands-on experience with mechanical/propulsion systems, data acquisition, and safety-critical operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical/propulsion systems or test operations.
• Experience with test campaigns, data review, and safety in a lab or flight-hardware context.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tests at engine and component level for hardware performance and survivability.
• Own a test campaign: plan, activate, operate, review data, and assist with stand equipment design.
• Guide technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand hardware.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, and software.
• Operate and troubleshoot DAQ and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation (NI-based).
• Manage fluids and mechanical systems including cryogenics and propellants, and related structures.
• Automate repetitive tests to increase efficiency while safeguarding safety.
• Identify hazards and work with design engineers to implement improvements for test stands and flight hardware.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Propulsion systems

Test operations

Data acquisition

Python/C/C++

Instrumentation

Teamwork

Hazard analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related field

Tools

National Instruments

Siemens NX

Inventor

CATIA

Python

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.

TEST ENGINEER (DRAGON)

The Development Test team is responsible for testing that supports every major program at SpaceX: Starship, Dragon, Falcon, and Starlink. In this role, your primary responsibility will be ensuring engines and components used on Dragon spacecraft have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a constant variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission
• Repeated ownership of a test campaign, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and some test stand equipment design/fabrication
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments-based
• Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low-to-high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including hypergols & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure
• Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc
• Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety. Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety
• Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering field
• 1+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
• Knowledge of hazardous systems (cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric) and high-pressure system design and handling
• Strong multitasking abilities with a high degree of ownership in project management, consistently driving projects from planning through to successful completion
• Demonstrated leadership in high-pressure situations, with the ability to provide clear and decisive guidance to fellow teammates during high-risk operations
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatic valves)
• Experience using 3D modeling software (Siemens NX, Inventor, CATIA, etc.)
• Experience with at least one coding language (Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic)
• Experience reviewing data from anomalies and identifying root causes
• Experience writing and maintaining test procedures and hardware work instructions
• Creative ability to imagine and design from scratch, while retaining low-cost, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical manuals, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics and design specifications
• Ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in both individual and group settings – candidates should enjoy working on a team and be able to work efficiently with others, including stressful situations such as rapid pace operations and times of limited resources

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Ability to comfortably wear breathing air respirators on a frequent basis, occasionally for extended durations, as required by the position
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts, which vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• 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 Aff… and applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail]

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As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

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An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.