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Test Engineer (Dragon) Verified today

SpaceX · Cape Canaveral, FL · Production · first seen 2026-09-03
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Test Engineer (Dragon)

SpaceX is seeking a Test Engineer for the Dragon Spacecraft Integration Mechanisms, Avionics/Automation, Interior, and Trunk sub-team. You will develop and execute procedures for integrated testing of Dragon flight hardware and subsystems during post-flight processing, teardown, maintenance, and pre-flight processing. You will have ownership of your work in all phases, serving as the last line of defense for all hardware and systems on the spacecraft.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute procedures for integrated testing of Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware and subsystems during post-flight processing, teardown, maintenance, and pre-flight processing
  • Develop test solutions for in-house developed hardware products which will fly to space
  • Act as a Dragon vehicle controller and test conductor during Dragon integrated system tests
  • Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and work scope definition for capsule refurbishment campaigns, including evaluation of change, risk, and previous as-built conditions
  • Develop and implement integration processes for assigned ownership areas
  • Manage multiple ground support equipment and facility improvement projects, prioritizing highest return on investment initiatives
  • Design and develop tools (hardware and/or software) to enable and optimize test operations and vehicle processing
  • Work with SpaceX application software to develop automated solutions to test processing, requirements management, test campaign management, and data reviews
  • Collaborate with test and responsible engineers to resolve technical problems, integrate new processes and hardware, and continuously improve testing tools and processes
  • Independently troubleshoot vehicle or GSE failures to root cause and write disposition and follow-on plans
  • Effectively communicate test priorities, including personnel safety, vehicle safety, and schedule when coordinating with other teams

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, or operations (internship and project experience applies)

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements
  • Understanding of schematics (fluids/electrical) to analyze and improve test coverage
  • Understanding of mechanical mechanisms and how they move, load, and fail
  • Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis
  • Experience working with high pressure, fluid, and electrical systems
  • Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
  • Experience interacting with CAD software and large CAD models
  • Understanding of, or hands-on experience with test operations with gases/fluids, mechanical systems, and/or avionics components and sensors
  • Experience with data acquisition setup and field measurements on installed flight hardware (dimensional, electrical, or fluids)
  • Experience developing in object-oriented software languages such as Python and C++
  • Experience automating tests or data review in Python
  • Experience in debugging, performance optimizations, unit testing, and code reviewing
  • Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 45 lbs.)
  • Comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and willing to work with hazardous materials
  • Ability to work extended hours in a high-tempo, high-stress environment
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Willingness to work outdoors
  • 55-hour work weeks are typical; schedule varies depending on site operational needs and flexibility is required

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.