Test Engineer (Falcon)

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.

TEST ENGINEER (FALCON)

As a Test Engineer on the Falcon Test team, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop innovative solutions for the software and hardware test infrastructure that powers integrated systems testing across Falcon products. Your challenge will be ensuring efficient execution of test operations in support of the rapid production and launch cadence while maintaining the highest levels of safety and reliability. You will be tasked as subject matter expert in test software, test equipment (pressurized and avionics), Flight Software/config files, and integrated testing of vehicle systems. You will be a technical resource for all applicable test cells across Falcon. You will be integral in the design, development, and implementation of test hardware and procedures; you will be responsible for comprehensive training programs to sustain the safe/reliable use of that hardware and procedures and development of testing processes for our current and next generation vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate within a diverse team of engineers, test specialists, and software engineers who specialize in integrated system testing, data and control systems, and technical mentorship


• Ensure innovative and adaptive solutions are developed to align with operations across the company’s remote sites and future products


• Drive prevention and resolution of non-conformances discovered during production test and/or flight


• Provide input on the relationship between Falcon production testing and design engineering teams


• Provide input into the design and development of new and existing hardware with respect to integrated testing; take a role in continuously improving test processes on current vehicle and developing the same for the next generation vehicles


• Support process improvements and modifications to significantly increase efficiency of production testing


• Own the automation tools required to eliminate or minimize engineering involvement in integrated avionics and propulsion system checkouts


• Assist production test teams with troubleshooting software/automation issues


• Track and/or implement corrective actions related to test GSE or test automation/execution failures


• Provide technical support to customer and peer teams with integrated testing, test GSE design, or other technical support as needed


• Own test infrastructure including maintenance, upgrades and reliability for all relevant Falcon test workcenters


• Develop and maintain Vehicle Controller training and standards to enable production test teams to operate safely and independently


• Coordinate with customers and support organizations to provide updates/feedback to ensure efficient execution of improvement projects in a reliable manner


• Drive company’s safety, environmental, health, and ergonomics initiatives to prevent incidents

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline


• 1+ years of experience in vehicle systems, integration, checkouts, or operation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of experience with integration and testing of electrical and propulsion systems


• Experience support the development, planning, and execution of complex test operations


• Experience support the development and/or improvement of test software and automation


• Experience designing, building, and operating electrical and/or pressurized test equipment


• Experience writing and maintaining test plans, test procedures, and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale


• Proven experience in streamlining test operations by challenging requirements and eliminating process waste


• Proven experience with integrated system troubleshooting and reliable anomaly resolution

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel to launch and test sites to support integrated hardware activities


• Ability to work nights and weekends on occasion to support test milestones


• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:


Pay range:
Test Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Test Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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.

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] .