Development Test Engineer, Structures (Starship) at SpaceX
Brownsville, TX, United States
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER, STRUCTURES (STARSHIP)
This position is a test engineer for the Starship Structural Test team. The team develops, design, builds, and executes large system-level static and dynamic structural tests. The test engineer role is highly multidisciplinary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with vehicle engineers to develop and execute static and dynamic system level structural tests from conception, including test article and test stand configuration, boundary conditions, fluid, electrical, and software schematics, and concept of operations
Design, modify, and build mechanical systems. Systems include small lugs and brackets through large structural weldments
Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot fluid systems, including low to high pressure gaseous working fluids, rocket propellants (including cryogenic propellants), and hydraulic load control systems
Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily NI based and instruments include strain gages, pressure transducers, deflection gages, load cells, thermocouples, and RTDs
Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software
Operate the test stand from test assembly and activation through test execution with a small team of engineers and technicians
Review data manually or using automatic scripts
Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to integrate test articles and hardware (install instrumentation and wiring, assemble small and large mechanical components, repair metallic structures, pressurize and functional check of pressure systems, lift and transport large structures)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical field
1+ years experience with testing, mechanical or data acquisition and control system design (internships and college competition experience is applicable)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Strong technical skills in one or more of the following areas: mechanical or structural design, data acquisition and instrumentation, programming, fluid and hydraulic design or operation, structural testing
Demonstrated ability to learn new skills or adapt to new situations. Unphased by challenges that go beyond the traditional comfort zone or experience. Multidisciplinary approach to problem solving
Experience in project ownership under technical and schedule pressure and where the scope and definition was limited
Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases and fluids, etc.)
Experience working on projects that involve the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems (launch vehicle and/or spacecraft experience is not required)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters, so physical dexterity is required
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
