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 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- 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
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 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
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- 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
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Test Specialist/Level 1: $30.00 - $38.00/hour
Test Specialist/Level 2: $34.00 - $43.00/hour
Test Specialist/Level 3: $38.00 - $48.00/hour
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, stock options, 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.
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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
Top Skills
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary.
SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
