Test Engineer, Powertrain Components (Starship)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

Job summary

SpaceX is looking for a Test Engineer for Powertrain Components in Hawthorne, California. This role involves developing test plans to validate flight hardware and collaborating with cross-functional teams to create new test systems.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering, relevant experience, and strong skills in mechanical, fluid, and electrical systems. The position offers a competitive salary range and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems.
• Ability to develop test plans and conduct anomaly investigations.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Fill the role of instrumentation and test expert.
• Assist with anomaly investigations.
• Develop requirements for new test systems.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Fluid dynamics

Electrical engineering

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering discipline

Tools

Test measurement devices

CAD software

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, POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS (STARSHIP)

The Components Test Organization is a team of engineers, specialists, and technicians who provide the testing expertise needed to develop flight hardware for Falcon Launch Systems, Dragon Spacecraft Systems, Starship Launch and Spacecraft Systems, as well as Starlink Telecommunications Satellites. Our responsibilities to the flight hardware start at conception and follow the design through R&D testing, design qualification testing, production/acceptance testing, and finally to failure investigations of hardware that may have failed anywhere in its life cycle.

As testing experts, we provide a critical element to the hardware development process, and need to be highly proficient in many different engineering disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, automation and control systems, as well as the interpretation and analysis of test data. Because this role is largely hands‑on, we also need to be experts in the safe operation of highly energetic and hazardous testing, to ensure everyone remains safe at all times. Due to our expertise with the flight hardware, as well as its testing requirements, we are also responsible for the development of automated test systems required to produce the flight hardware, rapidly and reliably. This requires us to be skilled in systems engineering, CAD, analysis, fabrication/build, project management, and logistics—with a focus on propulsion components like high‑pressure fluid systems, valves, turbomachinery, and injectors for Starship’s Raptor engines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fill the role of instrumentation and test expert on the flight hardware development team
• Develop the detailed test plans and campaigns required to validate the flight hardware
• Assist with anomaly/failure investigations
• Develop requirements for new test systems needed to test and validate flight hardware
• Work with a cross-discipline team including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to conceptualize and develop new test systems required to test and validate flight hardware
• Train personnel on the required processes and operations of complex test systems
• Ensure all testing is conducted in compliance with all safety protocols, at all times

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems (internships and project teams qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with mechanical, drivetrain, and/or electrical engineering concepts
• Experience in a test-focused role
• Experience in a product ownership role
• Experience working with mechanical, drivetrain, and electrical measurement devices
• Experience working with complex mechanical and/or electrical systems and the to read drawings and system diagrams
• Mathematical, computer, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with propulsion systems (e.g., high-pressure fluids, cryogenics combustion testing)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed
• Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Level 2: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].