NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, MECHANICALThe elite engineering team at our test facility in Central Texas (Waco, TX area) focuses on test operations for Raptor, Starship, Falcon, Dragon, and more. We are looking for engineers who focus on testing operations (test set‑up, on‑console running tests, data analysis, troubleshooting, etc.) as well as ground support equipment operations (design & build test stands, propellant disbursement, etc.). This is a fast‑paced, hands‑on, constantly evolving, real‑as‑it‑gets engineering environment for the ambitious. Some engineering groups design, build, activate, modify, and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that power, restrain, and measure the most powerful high‑volume rocket engines in the world, while others specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule. From thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens to tens of pounds per second of high‑pressure gas, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding test program both today and in the future.ResponsibilitiesTest OperationsDevelop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the missionRepeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabricationProvide daily directions and instructions to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipmentDevelop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and softwareOperate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation (DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments–based)Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high‑pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including hypergols & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructureOperate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safetyDevelop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safetyIdentify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardwareGround Support EquipmentAnalyze, design, and build systems that support testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various rocket componentsDrive cradle‑to‑grave ownership of engineering projects through design reviews, decision justifications, equipment procurement, and coordination/participation in the construction of your ideasWork directly with skilled technicians to build your designs and fix real‑world problems on the flyMaintain a tight feedback loop with the test operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight testing deadlines critical to company successOperate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve testing objectives, and apply lessons learned to iterate system designs for improved performance and maintenanceEvaluate complex engineering needs and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that support test programs and achieve company objectivesTake a hands‑on approach to tackling rapidly emerging field projects that keep the company testing rocket engines and vehicles every single dayBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics1+ years of mechanical and/or fluids engineering experience via project team, research, internships, and/or professional experienceGraduating with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in 2026 or 2027Preferred Skills and ExperienceStrong fundamental understanding and intuition for fluid, structural, or mechanical systemsCritical thinking and problem solving in stressful, dynamic situationsPositive responses and outcomes to challenges posed by short deadlinesHands‑on build—machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques are a plusCreativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratchDriven approach to addressing challenges and opportunities—an enthusiastic, self‑motivated, positive, can‑do attitudeDetermining the best solution among several options, often balancing cost/schedule/complexityAcute attention to detail and ability to see interactions with related systems to avoid problemsInstrumentation and testing, data review and analysis, verification of models against realityHigh‑pressure or cryogenic fluid systems and componentsComplex structural or mechanical systems and componentsDesign verification with simplified hand calculations and complex modeling—FEA or CFD is a plusProduction of fabrication drawings for parts to be machined or weldedIntermediate skill level using CAD—Siemens NX is a plusASME piping and pressure vessel designExcellent written and verbal communication skills3+ years of engineering design experience in an industrial setting or equivalentAdditional RequirementsAbility to work both independently and as part of a team, take individual initiative, and communicate effectively with peers, leadership, and customersAbility to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a fast‑paced, challenging work environmentWillingness to perform other related duties for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environmentAvailability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launchesAvailability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is requiredAbility to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over handAbility to lift heavy objects unassisted—up to 25 lbs.Ability to work at elevated heights with proper PPE—up to 300 ft.Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed—heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.Ability to work in environments with exposure to fumes, odors, and noiseWorking conditions may be in tight quarters; physical dexterity is requiredTo conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.#J-18808-Ljbffr