SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Test Engineer (Dragon)

Cape Canaveral, FLInternshipEntry-level (exp-based)Posted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Dragon spacecraft
flight hardware
subsystems
post-flight processing
pre-flight processing
vehicle controller
test conductor
integrated system tests
capsule refurbishment
ground support equipment

Nice to have

test equipment
measurement techniques
product requirements
schematics
test coverage
mechanical mechanisms

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Test Engineer for the Dragon spacecraft team, focusing on integration, mechanisms, avionics, and interiors. This role involves developing and executing test procedures for both Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware during post-flight, maintenance, and pre-flight processing. You will design and implement test solutions, manage GSE projects, and develop tools (hardware/software) for optimized testing. Responsibilities include acting as a vehicle controller, troubleshooting failures, and collaborating with design engineers for continuous improvement. Experience with Python and C++ for automation is preferred, along with a background in hardware development or vehicle integration.

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.

TEST ENGINEER (DRAGON)

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.

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.

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