Test Specialist (Composites)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 41,328,000 - 66,125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Test Specialist (Composites) to develop and operate critical test processes for composite structures. You will support test stand development, maintain drawings and wiring schematics, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, producible designs.

The role requires hands-on experience with test operations, systems troubleshooting, and a strong focus on safety and reliability in a fast-paced environment. Traveling to launch sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering or STEM or 2+ years of manufacturing/production experience.
• Experience designing, building, integrating, and testing complex multi-disciplinary systems preferred.
• Hands-on experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft integration, composite structures, test operations with gases/fluids, data acquisition, and field measurements.

Responsibilities

• Support development of test stand, equipment, and process concepts with focus on practical execution.
• Maintain fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists.
• Assist with design and analysis of structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms for real-world integration.
• Troubleshoot and improve fundamental systems during operations and development.
• Collaborate with design, build, and reliability engineers to streamline manufacturing, assembly, and test execution.
• Supervise integration of test stands and equipment including fabrication and data/control systems.
• Operate test stands with attention to detail and adherence to process.
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes and detailed technical instructions.

Skills

Technical intuition

Critical thinking

Ambiguity tolerance

Documentation

Clear communication

CAD software familiarity

Data acquisition

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or STEM

Tools

CAD software

Analysis programs

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 SPECIALIST (COMPOSITES)

Join the Composites Test group as a Test Specialist to develop and operate SpaceX’s most critical processes: its tests! Composites Test is a fast paced and development focused group that aims to reduce production time and increase safety and reliability by designing efficient and effective equipment and processes to support new structures, components and mechanisms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support development of test stand, equipment, and process concepts with a strong emphasis on practical execution and operability.
• Contribute to and maintain fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists.
• Assist with design and analysis of structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms, focusing on real-world integration, operability, and test readiness.
• Develop a deep understanding of fundamental systems so you can effectively troubleshoot and improve them during both day-to-day operations and development work.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of design, build, and reliability engineers to ensure new designs are streamlined for efficient manufacturing, assembly, and test execution.
• Supervise and actively participate in the integration of test stands and equipment, including fabrication, mechanical assembly, and data/control systems.
• Operate test stands with exceptional attention to detail, insight, and adherence to process.
• Develop, refine, and execute manufacturing processes and detailed technical instructions to ensure hardware meets the highest processing standards.
• Refine existing hardware, procedures, and test processes based on lessons learned and product changes, with the goal of making systems so robust and efficient that you work yourself out of the job.
• Collaborate with team to evaluate and resolve non-conformances, driving actionable improvements that systematically increase reliability and eliminate root causes.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of execution and safety.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience creating and/or working with manufacturing design, build, integration or test

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering or STEM discipline or 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• 5+ years of professional experience designing, building, integrating, and testing complex multi-disciplinary systems
• Hands‑on experience with one or more of the following: launch vehicle or spacecraft integration, composite structure design or testing; test operations with gases/fluids, data acquisition setup, and field measurements
• Demonstrates technical intuition, critical thinking, and comfort with ambiguity
• Documentation and configuration management experience
• Experience writing test plans, procedures and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale
• Experience interacting with CAD software and basic analysis programs
• Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.)
• Professional experience working with large assembly moves (e.g. crane operations)
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Some travel to our launch sites or customer facilities (both internationally and domestic) will be required as needed, up to 40% annually
• Specialist’s travel schedule must be flexible as mission schedules fluctuate frequently
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• This position is very hands‑on and will often work side by side with our technicians
• Must be comfortable with standing, stooping, bending and working in tight areas with little room

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

• Integration & Test Specialist/Level 1: $30.00 - $38.00/hour
• Integration & Test Specialist/Level 2: $34.00 - $43.00/hour
• Integration & Test Specialist/Level 3: $38.00 - $48.00/hour

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.

• 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.

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