Test Engineer (Dragon)

About the role

Become a vital member of the Development Test team at SpaceX, where you will play a key role in the testing of Dragon spacecraft engines and their components. This position entails the design and execution of specialized tests within a fast-paced environment, ensuring that hardware can withstand the conditions of flight. You will encounter a variety of engineering challenges, all while collaborating closely with a talented team.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and execute comprehensive tests on engines and components to evaluate their performance and longevity under mission conditions.
• Oversee the entire testing process, which includes drafting test plans, activating new systems, conducting operations, analyzing data, and designing or fabricating necessary test stand equipment.
• Provide daily guidance to technicians in the fabrication and integration of test articles and associated stand equipment.
• Create, update, and manage test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and relevant software.
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition systems, control systems, wiring, and instrumentation to ensure accurate data collection.
• Manage and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that utilize various gases and rocket propellants, as well as structural components and infrastructure.
• Operate mechanical systems such as test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, and fluid components to facilitate testing.
• Automate repetitive testing processes to enhance efficiency and safety, while developing innovative methods to boost testing capabilities and throughput without compromising safety standards.
• Identify potential system issues and hazards, collaborating with design engineers to troubleshoot and enhance both test stands and flight hardware.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience with mechanical, structural, propulsion, or fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations.

Nice to have

• More than 2 years of relevant experience in mechanical, structural, propulsion, or fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team under resource constraints and tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with hazardous systems (such as cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, and pyrophoric) and experience in high-pressure system design and management.
• Proven multitasking abilities and a strong sense of ownership in managing projects from inception to completion.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in high-pressure environments, providing clear direction during critical operations.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and control components, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, and pneumatic valves.
• Experience with 3D modeling software such as Siemens NX, Inventor, or CATIA.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic).
• Experience in analyzing data from anomalies to identify root causes.
• Capability to write and maintain test procedures and hardware work instructions effectively.
• Creative design skills, focusing on cost-effectiveness, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Ability to interpret and apply technical manuals, data reports, and schematics.
• Strong communication skills, both in individual and group settings.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in National Instruments DAQ systems.
• Experienced with 3D modeling software (Siemens NX, Inventor, CATIA).
• Familiar with various coding languages (Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic).

Practical notes

In compliance with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, or must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations. The position requires physical dexterity for working in confined spaces, the ability to lift up to 25 lbs without assistance, and exposure to fumes, odors, and noise. Candidates must be capable of wearing breathing air respirators frequently and working in extreme outdoor conditions. Flexibility for extended hours, weekends, and varying shifts is essential.

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.