Test Specialist (Falcon Operations) - Multiple Shifts

Frontdoor Defense; California; On-site; USD 45,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Test Specialist (Falcon Operations) to lead on-site testing activities for Falcon 9 vehicles at Vandenberg, CA. You will design tools, develop procedures, and work with engineers and technicians to ensure rapid, safe vehicle integration and flight readiness across multiple shifts.

The role requires hands-on experience in aerospace testing, strong problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex assemblies while communicating clearly with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• 3+ years of professional experience with payload, spacecraft, automotive, aircraft, or aerospace integration or testing.
• Experience writing test plans and test procedures.
• Experience with integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
• Ability to pass Space Force background checks and obtain necessary clearances.

Responsibilities

• Lead Falcon Operations test activities to ensure flight readiness.
• Design and develop tools and hardware for vehicle assembly and testing.
• Develop and execute procedures for checkout and integration of rockets and ground support equipment.
• Assist with hands-on assembly, integration and testing of vehicle assemblies.
• Collaborate with field technicians and engineers to resolve on-site test results.
• Identify high-risk processes and implement improvements for operational excellence.

Skills

Test plan design

Hands-on production

Cross-functional collaboration

Hazardous systems operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Job description

Test Specialist (Falcon Operations) - Multiple Shifts

Lead Falcon Operations test activities to ensure flight readiness of SpaceX vehicles

Location: Vandenberg, California

Compensation: $33 - 53 USD / hour

About The Role

Test Specialist (Falcon Operations) - Multiple Shifts

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.

SpaceX is currently seeking a talented individual for a critical test specialist role on the Falcon Operations Team. This team member will be responsible for supporting the execution of engineering task items to be successful with the Falcon Operations launch manifest. A wide range of skills and a self-driven attitude are essential for this role in order to support the current demands of ever-changing priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Process Falcon 9 flight vehicles in the pursuit of safe, rapid, and reliable rocket re-use, integration, and launch
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle assembly and conduct vehicle system testing
• Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of new and flight-proven rockets and ground support equipment
• Assist with and lead the hands‑on assembly, integration, and testing of new and flight‑proven vehicle assemblies
• Partner with highly skilled field technicians to execute operations on a daily basis
• Lead critical on‑site operations while collaborating with engineering staff from other departments and SpaceX locations to resolve off‑nominal test results and ensure flight readiness
• Identify high‑risk processes and problems during flight hardware processing, and proactively implement improvements to ensure operational excellence
• Rapidly develop and refine manufacturing assembly procedures based on lessons learned
• Manage work orders and the driving of non‑conformances into actionable items and system improvements
• Maintain clear communication with engineering, technician, and logistics teams

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of professional experience with payload, spacecraft, automotive, aircraft, or aerospace integration or testing

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in a technical and hands‑on production environment
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience designing, building, integrating, and testing complex multi‑disciplinary systems
• Experience writing test plans and test procedures
• Experience working on projects that involve the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems (launch vehicle and/or spacecraft experience is not required)
• Proficient in or 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
• 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)
• Flight hardware avionics experience
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start‑up atmosphere
• Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to pass Space Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base
• Ability to work one of the following shifts, overtime, and weekends as required:
• Day Shift: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday-Wednesday
• 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Wednesday-Saturday
• Night Shift: 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM, Sunday-Wednesday
• 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM, Wednesday-Saturday
• Must be willing to travel (anticipated 20%) to other launch sites or customer facilities as necessary

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay range:

Test Specialist/Level 1: $33.00 - $41.75/hour

Test Specialist/Level 2: $37.50 - $47.25/hour

Test Specialist/Level 3: $41.75 - $52.75/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.

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.

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