Test Specialist (Components)

The Propulsion Components team develops the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our rapid growth has created opportunities for a test specialist to join our components test operations group, supporting the production of components and assemblies for the Falcon, Dragon, and Starship vehicles. The components test operations group designs, builds, operates and maintains custom test stands and test fixtures for valves, regulators, and actuators that must perform in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900F to -400F and pressures beyond 10,000 psig.

Test Specialists play a crucial role in the design process by giving engineers input on how the resources will be independently operated and maintained. They are primarily in charge of constructing, running, and maintaining these test facilities.

• →Assist in the design of test fixtures, test setups, and test stands to be used in production, and/or for development
• →Independently fabricate or build any of the following in accordance to the defined specifications:
• →Instrumentation including DAQ hardware and wire harnesses
• →Electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems including hazardous high pressure gas systems and high voltage electrical systems
• →Independently troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems
• →Perform tests independently, or with Engineers, according to test procedures and design requirements
• →Independently summarize and distribute test data and preliminary test results to all interested parties
• →Collaborate with engineers to develop and document test procedures
• →Able to comprehend the importance and urgency of tasks and comprehend the necessity to complete them on time.
• →Identify and implement process improvements
• →Lead anomaly investigations and work toward resolution
• →Provide testing support for production when needed
• →Assist in the tracking and servicing of critical calibrated instrumentation

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment

• Associate or bachelor's degree with a focus in physics, mathematics, or engineering
• Ability to read and understand electro-mechanical schematics
• Ability to read and understand plumbing and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID)
• Ability to read mechanical assembly drawings and blue prints
• Ability to install and operate instrumentation, including: strain gages, deflection gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry
• Ability to fabricate and repair electrical systems, including: soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors
• Ability to fabricate high pressure plumbing systems, including: tube flaring, tube bending, and cone-&-threading
• Ability to fabricate mechanical components and assemblies, including: milling, drilling, turning, and torqueing
• Knowledge/experience operating and maintaining pneumatic and hydraulic components, including: valves, regulators, and accumulators
• Knowledge/experience operating basic machine shop equipment, including: sanders, grinders, saws, and benders
• Knowledge/experience with test operations procedures including hydraulic load control, hydro/pneumatic pressure control, and safe handling of flight parts
• Knowledge/experience with high pressure or cryogenic systems (gaseous and liquid)
• Knowledge/experience with high voltage systems (AC and DC)
• Knowledge/experience working with electrical components and/or systems
• 3+ years of experience with pressure testing

• Must be available to work overtime and weekends as needed
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and able to maneuver in tight spaces
• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs. unassisted

• 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.