← Back to results

Test Engineer, Compute Payload (Starmind)

Join SpaceX as a Test Engineer to validate hardware for advanced on-orbit AI processing and data center workloads.

Location
Bastrop, TX, United States
Compensation
Not disclosed
Level
mid
Type
full time · On-site

Posted by employer 15 hours ago

First seen on Joblaze 5 hours ago

Last verified on the company career page 5 hours ago

What you'll build

  • Design and implement test processes
  • Manage physical infrastructure of test integration
  • Interface with engineers and technicians
  • Lead development tests
  • Track manufacturing system key metrics

Must have

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing or test environment

Nice to have

  • Experience with integration and testing of propulsion systems
  • Proficiency in NX/CATIA/SolidWorks
  • Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing
  • Demonstrated experience implementing automation into test processes
  • Knowledge of testing pressurized fluid/gas systems

Practical constraints

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Ability to lift up to 25lbs
  • Ability to travel for short and extended trips as needed - up to 15% travel

Requirements

Experience
1+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree

Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.

Joblaze summary

In the role of Test Engineer for the Starmind Compute Payload team at SpaceX, the individual will focus on designing and implementing test processes that integrate with the assembly line, ensuring the reliability of hardware for advanced AI processing in space. Key skills include experience in manufacturing or testing environments, proficiency in CAD tools, and the ability to optimize testing operations through collaboration with cross-functional teams. This position is suited for someone with a background in engineering and a hands-on approach, as it involves direct interaction with technicians and physical testing environments.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed today — first seen on Joblaze September 30, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page September 30, 2026.
  • AI appears in 2.2% of 2916 comparable mid other roles in United States; Satellite appears in 0.1% of 2916 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Test Engineer, Compute Payload (Starmind) role remote?
No — this is an on-site role in Bastrop, TX, United States.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Test Engineer, Compute Payload (Starmind) role.
Where is the role based?
SpaceX is hiring for this position in Bastrop, TX, United States.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: AI, Hardware, Manufacturing, Satellite, testing.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Test Engineer, Compute Payload (Starmind) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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, COMPUTE PAYLOAD (STARMIND)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance compute hardware systems which must operate in the extreme environment of space.

The Starmind team designs, builds, and operates the orbital compute fabric of the future. We develop nearly every key piece of technology in house – from the satellites’ flight computers and power systems to the fully custom compute electronics, memory, and networking that form the brain of our on-orbit data centers. As a Test Engineer on the Starmind Compute Payload team, you’ll have ownership over how we validate the hardware that enables advanced on-orbit AI processing and data center workloads.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and implement test processes which seamlessly integrate into electro-mechanical assembly line with rapid iteration
  • Manage physical infrastructure of test integration and operations
  • Interface with engineers, specialists and technicians to optimize testing operations
  • Collaborate with the mechanical design team and end users to incorporate designs for test optimization
  • Lead development tests ensuring incremental milestones for the production ramp are met
  • Track manufacturing system key metrics around rate, cost, and quality
  • Identify tooling and hardware requirements, design and implement them into production processes. Rapidly iterate by evaluating non-conformances to determine root cause and drive test optimization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing or test environment via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Demonstrated experience working in a highly adaptive and iterative environment
  • Experience with integration and testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical and/or structural systems
  • Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing and test validation, and scaling to high volume as part of a cross-functional team
  • Proficiency in NX/CATIA/SolidWorks or any industry standard CAD design tools
  • Experience with process qualifications
  • Ability to design tooling for high-volume manufacturing
  • Demonstrated experience implementing automation into test processes
  • Experience working with and defining requirements for ERP, MRP, and MES systems
  • Knowledge and experience with testing of pressurized fluid/gas systems
  • Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Ability to lift up to 25lbs.
  • Ability to travel for short and extended trips as needed - up to 15% travel
  • This position is very hands-on and requires one to be on their feet for extended periods of time, up to 4 hours at a time
  • Will often work side by side with our technicians and must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.