Test Engineer, Fluid/Mechanical Systems (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering team in the aerospace industry, where you'll be at the forefront of testing the Starship, the largest rocket ever built! As a Test Engineer for Fluid/Mechanical Systems, you will leverage your engineering expertise to design and analyze complex systems, ensuring the success of high-stakes tests. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of space exploration. With a dynamic work environment and a commitment to innovation, this position is perfect for those eager to make a significant impact in the aerospace field. If you're ready to take on challenges and thrive in a fast-paced atmosphere, this is the opportunity for you!

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation (3 weeks)

Paid holidays (10 or more)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in fluid or mechanical systems design and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of structural analysis and failure modes.

Responsibilities

• Drive hardware development for fluid and mechanical systems at the Starship test site.
• Own design and analysis of fluid systems and large structures.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Fluid Systems Design

Structural Analysis

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

FEMAP

SOLIDWORKS

Siemens NX

Job description

TEST ENGINEER, FLUID/MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (STARSHIP)

The Starship Structural Test team is responsible for testing the limits of Starship’s primary structure and propulsion/fluids systems. We are seeking an engineer who will have the opportunity to use their multi-disciplinary knowledge, experience, and creativity to design, analyze, and build the fluid and mechanical systems needed to support high-cadence Starship tests. These tests include long-duration static fires and structural testing of new versions of Starship! Join the team responsible for testing and launching the largest and most powerful rocket known to man!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive hardware development for systems within the Starship test site from basic architecture through design, analysis, scheduling, manufacturing, activation, and operational phases.
• Own design, analysis, and manufacturing of gaseous and liquid fluid systems, mechanisms, actuation systems, fluid systems, and large structures.
• Serve as the responsible engineer for one or multiple fluids, mechanical systems, and structures including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems.
• Utilize finite element method (FEM) software (e.g. ANSYS, FEMAP) and rigorous hand calculations to facilitate design and issue disposition.
• Work with vehicle engineers to understand requirements and develop systems from conception.
• Perform data review and troubleshoot hardware issues associated with mechanical and fluid systems.
• Work with, and direct, a skilled technician workforce to carry out troubleshooting, maintenance activities, upgrades, and operational procedures.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering field.
• 1+ years of professional experience designing, building, or troubleshooting fluid or mechanical systems (internships and college competition team count).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns.
• Experience using SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or similar computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases & fluids, etc.).
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems and weldments.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand.
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulating boom lifts).
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain.
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility 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).
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Test Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Test Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.