Development Test Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)  

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. 

As a Development Test Engineer on the Starshield team, you’ll design and build the custom test solutions that unlock the next generation of our satellites. You’ll take ownership of reducing hardware development time and dramatically increasing reliability by creating innovative test equipment and running rigorous development tests on Starshield’s upcoming products, ground systems, spacecraft, and critical subassemblies. From inventing new fixtures and automated systems to validating structures, components, and mechanisms under real-world conditions, you’ll turn ambitious designs into flight-ready hardware that powers secure, high-performance satellite constellations. 

If you thrive on hands-on engineering, rapid iteration, and solving problems that no off-the-shelf solution can handle, this is your chance to make a direct impact on the future of space. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Design, develop, and execute static and dynamic environmental tests (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.) on satellite systems, components, and mechanisms - owning test articles, fixtures, boundary conditions, schematics, and CONOPS
• Lead the bring-up, commissioning, modification, and continuous improvement of test assets including TVAC chambers, vibration shakers, structural test stands, and hydraulic systems
• Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, thermal, launch and integration engineers to define requirements and deliver customized testing solutions
• Own multiple end-to-end test campaigns, including test plan creation, system activation, operations, data review, and test stand design/fabrication
• Design, build, modify, and troubleshoot data acquisition (DAQ) and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation
• Automate repetitive test operations and develop innovative processes to increase testing capacity, rate, efficiency, and safety while maintaining high rigor
• Identify system pitfalls and hazards, then collaborate with design engineers to resolve anomalies and drive improvements to both test stands and flight hardware
• Train technicians and other engineers on test concepts and equipment use 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• 1+ years of experience in one or more of the following:  
  • Involvement with an extracurricular project team designing and building mechanical structures
  • Academic research on mechanical structures
  • Professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience designing and executing environmental test campaigns (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.)
• 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 
• Active Secret, Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one desired but not required

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• 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 as needed to meet production goals
• This role is onsite and based in Hawthorne, CA, remote work not considered 
• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00

Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

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  [email protected].