Test Engineer, Powertrain Components

About the role

Join the Components Test Organization to validate flight hardware for Starship, Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink programs. You will manage the full lifecycle of propulsion components, including Raptor engine injectors, valves, and turbomachinery, through design, testing, and failure analysis. In this capacity, you act as the primary technical authority for instrumentation and testing of flight hardware. You will design comprehensive test plans and validation campaigns that ensure mission-critical hardware meets stringent performance standards. You will lead investigations into hardware anomalies and failures to determine root causes and corrective actions. You will define requirements for new test systems and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to build them. You will instruct staff on the operation of complex testing infrastructure to maintain consistency and safety. You will maintain strict adherence to safety protocols during all testing activities to protect personnel and equipment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Act as the primary technical authority for instrumentation and testing of flight hardware.
• Design comprehensive test plans and validation campaigns.
• Lead investigations into hardware anomalies and failures.
• Define requirements for new test systems and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to build them.
• Instruct staff on the operation of complex testing infrastructure.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols during all testing activities.
• Translate system-level requirements into test procedures that verify component performance.
• Execute tests on Raptor engine injectors, valves, and turbomachinery under simulated flight conditions.
• Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, and potential failure modes.
• Coordinate with design and manufacturing teams to implement corrective actions and improve hardware reliability.
• Support the development of automated test sequences to increase efficiency and repeatability.
• Document all test results, procedures, and findings in detailed reports for internal and regulatory review.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with company standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to schedule and resource test campaigns effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in engineering or physics.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with electrical, fluid, or mechanical systems, including project work or internships.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends when required.
• Physical ability to crawl, bend, and maneuver in confined spaces.
• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure test accuracy and data integrity.
• Willingness to adhere to strict safety and compliance protocols at all times.
• Effective communication skills to interface with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to new testing technologies.
• Reliability and consistency in meeting test schedules and deliverables.
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical measurement principles.
• Willingness to follow documented procedures and standard operating guidelines.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in mechanical, drivetrain, or electrical engineering principles.
• Background in product ownership or test-focused roles.
• Skill in interpreting technical drawings and system diagrams.
• Experience with propulsion systems such as cryogenic, combustion, or high-pressure fluid testing.
• Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

Skills & tools

• CAD and systems engineering.
• Project management and logistics.
• Mechanical and electrical measurement devices.
• Automation and control systems.

Practical notes

• Salary Level 1: $100,000 to $115,000 per year.
• Salary Level 2: $110,000 to $135,000 per year.
• Total rewards include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.