Test Engineer, Powertrain Components (Starship)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Components Test Organization is a team of engineers, specialists, and technicians who provide the testing expertise needed to develop flight hardware for Falcon Launch Systems, Dragon Spacecraft Systems, Starship Launch and Spacecraft Systems, as well as Starlink Telecommunications Satellites. Our responsibilities to the flight hardware start at conception and follow the design through R&D testing, design qualification testing, production/acceptance testing, and finally to failure investigations of hardware that may have failed anywhere in its life cycle. As testing experts, we provide a critical element to the hardware development process, and need to be highly proficient in many different engineering disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, automation and control systems, as well as the interpretation and analysis of test data. Because this role is largely hands-on, we also need to be experts in the safe operation of highly energetic and hazardous testing, to ensure everyone remains safe at all times. Due to our expertise with the flight hardware, as well as its testing requirements, we are also responsible for the development of automated test systems required to produce the flight hardware, rapidly and reliably. This requires us to be skilled in systems engineering, CAD, analysis, fabrication/build, project management, and logistics—with a focus on propulsion components like high-pressure fluid systems, valves, turbomachinery, and injectors for Starship's Raptor engines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline
1+ years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems (internships and project teams qualify)

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with mechanical, drivetrain, and/or electrical engineering concepts
Experience in a test-focused role
Experience in a product ownership role
Experience working with mechanical, drivetrain, and electrical measurement devices
Experience working with complex mechanical and/or electrical systems and the to read drawings and system diagrams
Mathematical, computer, problem solving, and decision-making skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with propulsion systems (e.g., high-pressure fluids, cryogenics combustion testing)

Responsibilities

Fill the role of instrumentation and test expert on the flight hardware development team
Develop the detailed test plans and campaigns required to validate the flight hardware
Assist with anomaly/failure investigations
Develop requirements for new test systems needed to test and validate flight hardware
Work with a cross-discipline team including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to conceptualize and develop new test systems required to test and validate flight hardware
Train personnel on the required processes and operations of complex test systems
Ensure all testing is conducted in compliance with all safety protocols, at all times

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, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan