Test Engineer (Dragon)

TEST ENGINEER (DRAGON)

The Development Test team is responsible for testing that supports every major program at SpaceX: Starship, Dragon, Falcon, and Starlink. In this role, your primary responsibility will be ensuring engines and components used on Dragon spacecraft have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a constant variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission.
• Repeated ownership of a test campaign, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and some test stand equipment design/fabrication.
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
• Operate 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 infrastructure.
• Operate 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 safety. Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety.
• Identify 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 hardware.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering field
• 1+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
• Knowledge of hazardous systems (cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric) and high-pressure system design and handling
• Strong multitasking abilities with a high degree of ownership in project management, consistently driving projects from planning through to successful completion
• Demonstrated leadership in high-pressure situations, with the ability to provide clear and decisive guidance to fellow teammates during high-risk operations
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatic valves)
• Experience using 3D modeling software (Siemens NX, Inventor, CATIA, etc.)
• Experience with at least one coding language (Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic)
• Experience reviewing data from anomalies and identifying root causes
• Experience writing and maintaining test procedures and hardware work instructions
• Creative ability to imagine and design from scratch, while retaining low-cost, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical manuals, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics and design specifications
• Ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in both individual and group settings - candidates should enjoy working on a team and be able to work efficiently with others, including stressful situations such as rapid pace operations and times of limited resources

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Ability to comfortably wear breathing air respirators on a frequent basis, occasionally for extended durations, as required by the position
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts, which vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required