Development Test Engineer (Starshield) Verified today
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. 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 custom test solutions that unlock the next generation of 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.
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 and 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, or professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master's degree in an engineering discipline