Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Electric Propulsion Test Engineer is responsible for ensuring the electric thrusters that propel Starlink satellites and their associated components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in test design and execution of unique development & qualification test campaigns on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Electric Propulsion Test Engineers will work on state-of-the-art electric thruster technology in an unmatched, high-rate production environment. By designing and executing test campaigns for the system, you will help sustain and improve upon the largest satellite constellation in existence! Join the team and help SpaceX provide global low-latency internet and contribute to our mission of making humanity multiplanetary.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related STEM field.
1+ years of hands-on hardware experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualifies)

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent experience
Experience in production and test systems
Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
Hardware automation software experience, including DAQ setup and instrumentation networking with logic controllers
Mechanical aptitude and experience
Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves, basic circuits
Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis
Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports
Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
Knowledge of hazardous systems and safety practices - cryogenic, flammable, high-voltage, high-pressure
Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling
Experience using test instrumentation and control components
Windows Operating Systems, Intermediate skill level
Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote), Intermediate skill level
Python, Intermediate/advanced skill level
C/C++, Novice skill level
CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred), Novice skill level
MATLAB, Novice-Intermediate skill level

Responsibilities

Develop and execute rigorous tests at the system, thruster, and component-level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the Starlink mission.
Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand/diagnostic equipment design & fabrication.
Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to build test articles, fabricate test stands and test stand equipment, integrate test articles and execute test processes.
Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation with primarily Beckhoff/TwinCat DAQ systems and python-based test software.
Operate and troubleshoot electric thrusters and supporting equipment, including high-vacuum facilities, pressurized feed systems, avionics circuits, and thruster diagnostics.
Design, operate, and fabricate mechanical systems for thruster ground support; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid/electronic components such as valves, tubing, and transient protection circuitry.
Execute the scientific method repeatedly in a R&D context, with an emphasis on minimizing asterisks and unknowns, and maximizing clear, actionable conclusions to inform improvements in propulsion system reliability and performance.
Manage schedules and deliverables for vehicle subsystem qualification testing; document & present results and conclusions clearly and explain technical details to wide audiences.
Operate and interpret results from electronic, mechanical, and plasma diagnostics, including oscilloscope and current/voltage diagnostics, pressure transducers, gas flowmeters, and low-force thrust stands.
Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining quality and rigor of experimental learnings. Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
Anticipate and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, work to resolve problems by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware.
Collaborate with hardware reliability team to lead experiments to inform anomaly investigations.
Collaborate with software teams to minimize exceptions between ground test and flight operations through safe, efficient, and readable software.