SpaceX · 5 hours ago
Lead Development Test Engineer (Starshield)
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$125K/yr - $175K/yr
5+ years expSpaceX is a company focused on enabling human life on Mars through advanced technologies. They are seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer for their Starshield production team to reduce hardware development time and increase reliability by testing new products, ground systems, spacecraft, and subassemblies.
Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Actively manage a team of technicians, specialists, and engineers. Hire to fulfill team needs and develop existing team members
Create test stand and equipment concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists
Manage a team that is responsible for test rack and harness design/fabrication
Be responsible for maintaining and modifying the systems external teams will use to request support from the development team
Control and forecast inventories for all parts expected to be used in the build center
Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms
Coordinate with design engineering to determine what equipment to procure and maintain in the test lab
Help train technicians and other engineers on test concepts and equipment use
Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems
Operate test stands with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error, so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer)
Collaborate with dynamics and thermal engineers to ensure test equipment meets vehicle and environmental requirements
Identifying opportunities for team growth and propose/develop training to increase the effectiveness of the engineering team with respect to company strategy
Setting clear/achievable goals and hold team members accountable for execution and continuous improvement in their area of ownership
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
5+ years of professional experience in an engineering role
1+ year of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects and/or people
Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 25% to other SpaceX sites
Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)
Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed
Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends
Preferred
3+ years of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects or people
Master's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
Strong sense of accountability, integrity, work ethic, and drive to succeed
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Understanding and proper application of GD&T
Experience with NX
Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)
Experience with large steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis
Experience with high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) fluid system design and analysis
Hands-on design and fabrication experience
Basic programming skills (Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS preferred)
Data acquisition and controls experience
Demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion
Experience using or setting up vibration test equipment
Experience using temperature and vacuum test systems
Benefits
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
Recent News
PCMag.com - Technology Product Reviews, News, Prices & Tips
2026-01-16
2026-01-16
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