Role summary
This role is for a New Graduate Mechanical Engineer focused on test operations and ground support equipment at a cutting-edge aerospace test facility. The engineer will be involved in setting up, running, and analyzing tests for rockets and spacecraft components, as well as designing and building support equipment. Responsibilities include developing test plans, operating data acquisition systems, troubleshooting fluid and mechanical systems, and collaborating with technicians. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics, with at least 1 year of relevant experience gained through projects, internships, or professional work. A strong understanding of mechanical and fluid systems, critical thinking, and a hands-on approach are essential. Preferred skills include CAD proficiency (Siemens NX), FEA/CFD analysis, and fabrication techniques.
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, MECHANICAL
The elite engineering team at our test facility in Central Texas (Waco, TX area) focuses on test operations for Raptor, Starship, Falcon, Dragon, and more. We are looking for engineers who focus on testing operations (test set-up, on-console running tests, data analysis, troubleshooting, etc.) as well as ground support equipment operations (design & build test stands, propellant disbursement, etc.). This is a fast-paced, hands-on, constantly evolving, real-as-it-gets engineering environment for the ambitious. Some engineering groups design, build, activate, modify, and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that power, restrain, and measure the most powerful high-volume rocket engines in the world, while others specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule. From thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens to tens of pounds per second of high-pressure gas, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding test program both today and in the future.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
TEST OPERATIONS:
Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission
Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication
Provide daily directions and instructions to technicians to fabricate and integrate 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 that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including hypergols & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure
Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety
Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety
Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware
GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT:
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 coordination/participation in the construction of your ideas
Work directly with skilled technicians to build your designs and fix real-world problems on the fly
Maintain a tight feedback loop with the test operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight testing deadlines critical to company success
Operate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve testing objectives, and apply lessons learned to iterate system designs for improved performance and maintenance
Evaluate complex engineering needs and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that support test programs and achieve company objectives
Take a hands-on approach to tackling rapidly emerging field projects that keep the company testing rocket engines and vehicles every single day
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
1+ years of mechanical and/or fluids engineering experience via project team, research, internships, and/or professional experience
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in 2026 or 2027
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Strong fundamental understanding and intuition for fluid, structural, or mechanical systems
Critical thinking and problem solving in stressful, dynamic situations
Positive responses and outcomes to challenges posed by short deadlines
Hands-on build—machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques are a plus
Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch
Driven approach to addressing challenges and opportunities—an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive, can-do attitude
Determining the best solution among several options, often balancing cost/schedule/complexity
Acute attention to detail and ability to see interactions with related systems to avoid problems
Instrumentation and testing, data review and analysis, verification of models against reality
High-pressure or cryogenic fluid systems and components
Complex structural or mechanical systems and components
Design verification with simplified hand calculations and complex modeling—FEA or CFD is a plus
Production of fabrication drawings for parts to be machined or welded
Intermediate skill level using CAD—Siemens NX is a plus
ASME piping and pressure vessel design
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
3+ years of engineering design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take individual initiative, and communicate effectively with peers, leadership, and customers
Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a fast-paced, challenging work environment
Willingness to perform other related duties for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
Availability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
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 when needed—heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
Ability to work in environments with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Working conditions may be in tight quarters; physical dexterity is 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.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
