Test Engineer (Dragon)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; McGregor (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in McGregor, Texas is looking for a Test Engineer for the Dragon program. The role includes developing and executing tests on engines and components to ensure reliability in flight conditions. Candidates should have at least a Bachelor's degree in an engineering field and relevant hands-on experience. This position requires strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in mechanical systems, along with the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on experience required.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience preferred.
• Strong ability to multitask under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tests for engine and component performance.
• Create and maintain test procedures and operation scripts.
• Automate test operations to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Structural systems

Propulsion systems

Fluid systems

Test operations

Interpersonal skills

3D modeling software

Coding languages (Python, Matlab, C, C++)

Education

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

Tools

National Instruments

Siemens NX

Inventor

CATIA

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 of enabling 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, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green‑card holder), a refugee, or an asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about 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.