Test Engineer (Dragon)

About the role

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a position on the Dragon Spacecraft Integration Mechanisms, Avionics/Automation, Interior, and Trunk sub-team. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions in spacecraft reusability.

You will work on post-flight vehicles, testing and refurbishing next generation Dragon spacecraft, designed to take crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. You will have ownership of your work in all phases. The test team is the last line of defense testing and screening all hardware and systems on our spacecraft.

The role will also require significant interface with the design engineers, providing the opportunity to continuously improve the capsule design and ground processing as the team works to establish aircraft-like operations on Dragon.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procedures for integrated testing of both 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, knowing how to prioritize highest return on investment projects and how to effectively communicate those returns
• Design and develop tools (hardware and/or software) to enable and optimize test operations and vehicle processing
• Work with unique 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 upon testing tools and processes
• Independently troubleshoot vehicle or GSE failures to root cause and write the disposition and follow-on plan
• 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, flexibility required

Itar Requirements

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