Structural Test Engineer (Starship) Verified today

Structural Test Engineer (Starship)

Join SpaceX's Structural Test team, which develops, designs, builds, and executes large system-level static and dynamic structural tests for Starship.

What you will do

• Work with vehicle engineers to develop and execute static and dynamic system-level structural tests from conception, including test article configuration, boundary conditions, fluid, electrical, and software schematics, and concept of operations
• Design, modify, and build mechanical systems ranging from small lugs and brackets to large structural weldments
• Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot fluid systems including low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids, rocket propellants (including cryogenic propellants), and hydraulic load control systems
• Design, modify, build, and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation (NI-based DAQ systems, strain gages, pressure transducers, deflection gages, load cells, thermocouples, and resistance temperature detectors)
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software
• Operate the test stand from assembly and activation through test execution with a small team of engineers and technicians
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians on test article integration, instrumentation, wiring, mechanical assembly, structural repair, pressure system checks, and transport of large structures
• Review test data manually or using automatic scripts

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering field
• 1+ years of experience with testing, mechanical design, or data acquisition and control system design (internships and college competition teams count)

Preferred skills and experience

• Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and adapt to new situations, unfazed by challenges beyond traditional comfort zones
• Experience in project ownership under technical and schedule pressure with limited scope and definition
• Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases and fluids)
• Experience integrating electrical, mechanical, and software systems (launch vehicle or spacecraft experience not required)

Physical requirements

This role requires physical dexterity and the ability to work in tight quarters with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise. You must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment, and performing the following physical demands:

• Stand up to 6 hours per day
• Sit up to 6 hours per day
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs unassisted for 15 minutes per day
• Overhead reach up to 3 hours per day
• Walk up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/carry up to 25 lbs unassisted for 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
• Work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day

Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required. You may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities.

ITAR requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.