Test Stand Design & Build Engineer (Structures/Fluid Systems) Verified today
Test Stand Design & Build Engineer (Structures/Fluid Systems)
SpaceX is hiring engineers to support development and production testing of Starship, Raptor, Falcon, and Dragon engine and vehicle hardware in McGregor, TX. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where you design, build, activate, modify, and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that power, restrain, and measure rocket engines. Hardware you design can be built and installed the same day.
What you will do
- Analyze, design, and build systems that support testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various rocket components
- Drive cradle-to-grave ownership of engineering projects through design reviews, decision justifications, equipment procurement, and construction coordination
- Work directly with skilled technicians to build your designs and troubleshoot problems in real time
- Maintain feedback loops with test operations to rapidly adjust plans and meet testing deadlines
- Operate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve testing objectives; apply lessons learned to iterate designs for improved performance
- Evaluate complex engineering needs and solve problems that support test programs and company objectives
- Take hands-on approach to field projects that keep the company testing engines and vehicles daily
What you need
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of hands-on design or build experience (professional work, internships, clubs, or other engineering activities qualify)
What we prefer
- 3+ years of engineering design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent
- Strong understanding of fluid, structural, or mechanical systems
- Critical thinking and problem-solving in stressful, dynamic situations
- Ability to manage short deadlines effectively
- Hands-on build skills: machining, welding, and fabrication techniques
- Design verification with hand calculations and complex modeling (FEA or CFD)
- Production of fabrication drawings for machined or welded parts
- CAD experience, ideally Siemens NX
- ASME piping and pressure vessel design knowledge
- Experience with high-pressure or cryogenic fluid systems
- Experience with complex structural or mechanical systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication
Physical and environmental requirements
- Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with strong communication
- Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while maintaining high urgency
- Willingness to respond to emergencies supporting priority projects and missions
- Ability to perform duties requiring standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, working in cramped positions, and climbing
- Ability to lift heavy objects unassisted up to 25 lbs
- Ability to work at elevated heights with proper PPE up to 300 ft
- Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, wind, rain
- Ability to work in environments with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Physical dexterity required for tight quarters work
ITAR requirement
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.