Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites (Starlink)

TEST ENGINEER – ELECTRIC PROPULSION, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

The Electric Propulsion Test Engineer is responsible for ensuring the electric thrusters that propel Starlink satellites and their associated components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in test design and execution of unique development & qualification test campaigns on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Electric Propulsion Test Engineers will work on state-of-the-art electric thruster technology in an unmatched, high-rate production environment. By designing and executing test campaigns for the system, you will help sustain and improve upon the largest satellite constellation in existence! Join the team and help SpaceX provide global low-latency internet and contribute to our mission of making humanity multiplanetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute rigorous tests at the system, thruster, and component-level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the Starlink mission.
• Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand/diagnostic equipment design & fabrication.
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to build test articles, fabricate test stands and test stand equipment, integrate test articles and execute test processes.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation with primarily Beckhoff/TwinCat DAQ systems and python-based test software.
• Operate and troubleshoot electric thrusters and supporting equipment, including high-vacuum facilities, pressurized feed systems, avionics circuits, and thruster diagnostics.
• Design, operate, and fabricate mechanical systems for thruster ground support; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid/electronic components such as valves, tubing, and transient protection circuitry.
• Execute the scientific method repeatedly in a R&D context, with an emphasis on minimizing asterisks and unknowns, and maximizing clear, actionable conclusions to inform improvements in propulsion system reliability and performance.
• Manage schedules and deliverables for vehicle subsystem qualification testing; document & present results and conclusions clearly and explain technical details to wide audiences.
• Operate and interpret results from electronic, mechanical, and plasma diagnostics, including oscilloscope and current/voltage diagnostics, pressure transducers, gas flowmeters, and low-force thrust stands.
• Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining quality and rigor of experimental learnings. Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
• Anticipate and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, work to resolve problems by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
• Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
• Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware.
• Collaborate with hardware reliability team to lead experiments to inform anomaly investigations.
• Collaborate with software teams to minimize exceptions between ground test and flight operations through safe, efficient, and readable software.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related STEM field.
• 1+ years of hands-on hardware experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent experience
• Experience in production and test systems
• Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
• Hardware automation software experience, including DAQ setup and instrumentation networking with logic controllers
• Mechanical aptitude and experience
• Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
• Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves, basic circuits
• Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
• Knowledge of hazardous systems and safety practices - cryogenic, flammable, high-voltage, high-pressure
• Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling
• Experience using test instrumentation and control components
• Windows Operating Systems, Intermediate skill level
• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote), Intermediate skill level
• Python, Intermediate/advanced skill level
• C/C++, Novice skill level
• CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred), Novice skill level
• MATLAB, Novice-Intermediate skill level

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.