Development Test Engineer

About the role

The Starshield team builds satellite technology for national security, focusing on campaigns that span communications, earth observation, and hosted payloads. In this position, you will own the creation of custom test solutions that validate the performance and resilience of spacecraft hardware, ground systems, and subassemblies before flight. Your work will directly influence the reliability of test campaigns by designing procedures that extract meaningful data from complex hardware interactions. You will be responsible for running development campaigns that push hardware to its limits while maintaining strict adherence to safety and documentation standards. The role requires you to act as the primary technical authority for test assets, ensuring that every fixture, boundary condition, and concept of operation aligns with mission objectives. You will troubleshoot anomalies in both test stands and flight hardware, turning ambiguous failure modes into actionable engineering insights. This position is critical for bridging the gap between design intent and physical verification in high-stakes environments. By leading test execution and data analysis, you enable the Starshield team to iterate quickly and confidently toward flight certification.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and execute static and dynamic environmental tests including thermal, vibration, and shock to validate structural integrity.
• Manage test articles, fixtures, boundary conditions, schematics, and concepts of operations to ensure traceability and repeatability.
• Lead the commissioning, qualification, and modification of test assets such as TVAC chambers, vibration shakers, hydraulic systems, and structural test stands.
• Coordinate with electrical, mechanical, thermal, and launch integration teams to establish clear requirements and interface controls.
• Oversee full test cycles from planning and activation through data analysis and hardware improvement recommendations.
• Build and troubleshoot data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and wiring to capture high-fidelity test data.
• Automate test processes to improve safety, efficiency, and throughput while reducing manual intervention and human error.
• Identify system hazards and resolve anomalies in both test stands and flight hardware using systematic investigation methods.
• Provide training to technicians and engineering staff on equipment setup, testing procedures, and safety protocols.
• Develop test logic and procedures that expose edge cases and validate performance under extreme conditions.
• Collaborate with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure test hardware meets specified requirements and delivery timelines.
• Maintain detailed records of test configurations, results, and deviations to support audits and design reviews.
• Support test readiness reviews and interface with program management to align testing with schedule and risk mitigation plans.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance test robustness, documentation quality, and team scalability.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.
• Possess 1+ years of experience through professional work, academic research, or extracurricular project teams focused on designing and building mechanical structures.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of test engineering principles, including measurement systems, error analysis, and data validation.
• Show the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift and problems require rapid resolution.
• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to convey technical concepts to multidisciplinary teams.
• Adhere strictly to safety policies and procedures, recognizing that test operations involve real hazards and high-energy systems.
• Apply systematic problem-solving methods to diagnose issues and implement corrective actions without direct supervision.
• Commit to maintaining detailed documentation that supports traceability from requirements through test execution and results.

Nice to have

• Hold a Master degree in an engineering field to deepen technical expertise and broaden analytical capabilities.
• Bring experience running environmental test campaigns that involve multiple disciplines and complex hardware interactions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in GD&T application to support accurate specification interpretation and inspection activities.

Practical notes

This role involves hands-on engineering and rapid iteration. Applicants should be prepared to solve complex problems that lack off-the-shelf solutions. The position may require extended work hours during critical test campaign phases, including evenings and weekends, to meet project milestones. Travel is not expected to be a regular part of this role, but occasional local travel between facilities may be required. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks and compliance with SpaceX hiring policies. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position.