AstroTalentSpace Jobs

Test Engineer (Dragon) Verified today

SpaceX · McGregor, TX · Production · first seen 2026-10-29
Apply at SpaceX →

Test Engineer (Dragon)

The Development Test team supports every major program at SpaceX: Starship, Dragon, Falcon, and Starlink. You will ensure engines and components used on Dragon spacecraft are tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. You will specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule, working in a fast-paced, hands-on team environment.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission
  • Own complete test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and some test stand equipment design and fabrication
  • Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians fabricating and integrating test articles and stand equipment
  • Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software
  • Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments-based
  • Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems including low-to-high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (hypergols and cryogenics), structural components, and supporting infrastructure
  • Operate mechanical systems including test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, and tubing
  • Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety. Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates while maintaining high safety rigor
  • Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, then collaborate with design engineers to resolve anomalies and improve test stands and flight hardware

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering field
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
  • Knowledge of hazardous systems (cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric) and high-pressure system design and handling
  • Strong multitasking abilities with high degree of ownership in project management, consistently driving projects from planning through successful completion
  • Demonstrated leadership in high-pressure situations, with ability to provide clear and decisive guidance to teammates during high-risk operations
  • Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatic valves)
  • Experience using 3D modeling software (Siemens NX, Inventor, CATIA, or similar)
  • Experience with at least one coding language (Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic)
  • Experience reviewing data from anomalies and identifying root causes
  • Experience writing and maintaining test procedures and hardware work instructions
  • Creative ability to design from scratch while retaining low-cost, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability
  • Ability to read, understand, and apply technical manuals, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications
  • Ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in individual and group settings

Working Conditions

  • Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
  • Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods, lifting and carrying weight up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
  • Ability to comfortably wear breathing air respirators on a frequent basis, occasionally for extended durations
  • Occasionally exposed to extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
  • Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts varying by site operational needs; flexibility 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. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.