Development Test Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Development Test Engineer on the Starshield team, you’ll design and build the custom test solutions that unlock the next generation of our satellites. You’ll take ownership of reducing hardware development time and dramatically increasing reliability by creating innovative test equipment and running rigorous development tests on Starshield’s upcoming products, ground systems, spacecraft, and critical subassemblies. From inventing new fixtures and automated systems to validating structures, components, and mechanisms under real-world conditions, you’ll turn ambitious designs into flight-ready hardware that powers secure, high-performance satellite constellations. If you thrive on hands-on engineering, rapid iteration, and solving problems that no off-the-shelf solution can handle, this is your chance to make a direct impact on the future of space.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
1+ years of experience in one or more of the following: Involvement with an extracurricular project team designing and building mechanical structures, Academic research on mechanical structures, Professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in an engineering discipline
Experience designing and executing environmental test campaigns (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.)
Understanding and proper application of GD&T
Experience with NX
Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)
Experience with large steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis
Experience with high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) fluid system design and analysis
Hands-on design and fabrication experience
Basic programming skills (Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS preferred)
Data acquisition and controls experience
Demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion
Experience using or setting up vibration test equipment
Experience using temperature and vacuum test systems
Active Secret, Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one desired but not required

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and execute static and dynamic environmental tests (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.) on satellite systems, components, and mechanisms — owning test articles, fixtures, boundary conditions, schematics, and CONOPS
Lead the bring-up, commissioning, modification, and continuous improvement of test assets including TVAC chambers, vibration shakers, structural test stands, and hydraulic systems
Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, thermal, launch and integration engineers to define requirements and deliver customized testing solutions
Own multiple end-to-end test campaigns, including test plan creation, system activation, operations, data review, and test stand design/fabrication
Design, build, modify , and troubleshoot data acquisition (DAQ) and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation
Automate repetitive test operations and develop innovative processes to increase testing capacity, rate, efficiency, and safety while maintaining high rigor
Identify system pitfalls and hazards, then collaborate with design engineers to resolve anomalies and drive improvements to both test stands and flight hardware
Train technicians and other engineers on test concepts and equipment use

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan