Test Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Test Engineer for the Starship team, responsible for system testing and developing procedures for spacecraft validation. This entry-level role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology aimed at enabling human life on Mars.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on engineering experience.
• Experience with integration and testing of propulsion and/or electrical systems.
• Familiarity with software development in Rust, Python, or other languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop procedures and processes for validation of spacecraft.
• Identify and drive improvements to testing efficiency and safety.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues in real-time.

Skills

Problem Solving

Troubleshooting

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Test software

Job description

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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 (STARSHIP)

As an Integration and Test Engineer on the Starship team, you will be responsible for all initial system testing of the Starship Vehicle. Your challenges will be to develop the procedures and tools to test all integrated vehicle assemblies and verify vehicle health before it leaves to the pad; ensure that the individual assembly areas are able to execute checkouts seamlessly and with minimal overhead; and accelerate all aspects of vehicle factory operations to enable our rapid production and launch cadence goals. You will be tasked as an expert in ground/test software, test equipment (propulsion and avionics), integrated testing of vehicle high pressure and avionics systems, and will be a technical resource for all applicable Starship build engineers, specialists, and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep understanding of vehicle avionics/propulsion architecture, and how the vehicle operates as an integrated system
• Establish test criteria and pass/fail requirements for integrated vehicle checkouts
• Develop procedures and processes for validation of a rapidly evolving spacecraft
• Identify and drive improvements to testing efficiency and safety of vehicle testing
• Troubleshoot hardware issues real-time, and push feedback to correct owners to eliminate repeat issues
• Interface with design, build, and systems engineering as well as production leadership and technicians in the field
• Develop and lead training efforts to build test execution capability within production and outside engineering teams
• Build requirements and provide feedback for large scope GSE projects needed to enable checkouts execution and achieve production rate
• Develop the Starship production line, and provide feedback to Starship design to maximize efficiency and minimize cost/ton to orbit
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on engineering experience (design teams and previous internships qualify)
  
  

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Proven experience in streamlining test operations by challenging requirements and eliminating process waste
• Systems engineering experience, ability to understand multi-disciplinary integrated systems
• Experience creating, reading, and interpreting electrical and fluid schematics
• Experience with integration and testing of propulsion and/or electrical systems
• Experience in planning and execution of complex test operations
• Experience developing test software, automation
• Experience in test equipment design and operation
• Experience writing test plans, procedures and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale
• Familiarity with software development in Rust, Python, or other languages
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to travel to our launch sites in support of build out activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Must be able to work all shifts, extended hours and weekends as needed
  
  

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 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 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].

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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