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SpaceX · 4 days ago

Development Test Engineer, Structures (Starship)

Texas, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

1+ years exp

SpaceX is a company focused on developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Development Test Engineer for the Starship Structural Test team will be responsible for designing, building, and executing large system-level structural tests, while collaborating with vehicle engineers and maintaining test procedures.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Work with vehicle engineers, develop and execute static and dynamic system-level structural tests from conception. This includes 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. Systems include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids, rocket propellants (including cryogenic propellants), and hydraulic load control systems

Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot data acquisition (DAQ) 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 resistance temperature detectors (RTD)

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

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 pressure systems, lift and transport large structures)

Review data manually or using automatic scripts

Qualification

Mechanical engineeringData acquisition systemsFluid systems designStructural testingProgrammingControl system designProject ownershipHazardous systems experienceAdaptabilityTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering field

1+ years of experience with testing, mechanical or data acquisition, and control system design (internships and college competition team count)

Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day

Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description

Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

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

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, and structural testing

Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and adapt to new situations - unfazed by challenges that go beyond the traditional comfort zone or experience

Experience in project ownership under technical and schedule pressure, and where the scope and definition were 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)