Test Engineer (Starship Development) jobs in United States
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SpaceX · 17 hours ago

Test Engineer (Starship Development)

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Test Engineer (Starship Development) will be responsible for testing that supports major programs at SpaceX, focusing on the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft in a fast-paced environment.

AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
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Growth Opportunities
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Responsibilities

Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission
Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and 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

Qualification

Mechanical engineeringAerospace engineeringTesting experience3D modeling softwareCoding languageHazardous systems knowledgeHigh-pressure systemsInstrumentation knowledgeData analysisTest procedures writingTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering field
1+ years of hands-on testing experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualifies)
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
Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts, which varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
To 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

Preferred

2 years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware or test operations
Knowledge of hazardous systems (cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric)
Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling
Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid, 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 cause
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 well in a collaborative environment - should enjoy working on a team and be able to be work efficiently with others, including in stressful situations such as rapid pace operations and times of limited resources

Company

SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$11.78B
Key Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M

Leadership Team

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Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
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Bret Johnsen
CFO
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Company data provided by crunchbase