Test Engineer (Dragon)

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

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Work type: On-site
Location: Cape Canaveral, FL
Posted: 72 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 70 roles within 25 mi

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How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $145k

$112k $180k

below market most similar roles pay here above market

This listing doesn't post a salary. Most similar roles pay $118,824–$171,500.

Based on 240 similar postings.

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About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 851 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 590 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Test Engineer (Dragon)

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The Test Engineer (Dragon) joins the Dragon Spacecraft Integration Mechanisms, Avionics/Automation, Interior, and Trunk sub-team to support spacecraft reusability. This role involves testing and refurbishing next-generation Dragon spacecraft designed for crew and cargo transport to low Earth orbit. Key responsibilities include developing and executing procedures for integrated testing of flight hardware during post-flight processing, teardown, and maintenance. The engineer will act as a vehicle controller, design tools to optimize test operations, and troubleshoot vehicle or ground support equipment failures. Required skills include a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and experience with hardware development or vehicle integration. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in Python and C++, experience with CAD software, and knowledge of fluids, electrical systems, metrology, and data acquisition for flight hardware.

What does a Test Engineer earn?

Median $125289 from 36 postings across 10 companies.

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Skills

Python C++ CAD Data Acquisition Avionics Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Hardware Development Unit Testing Metrology Sensors Test Procedures Requirements Management Debugging

What you'll do

Develop and execute procedures for integrated testing of Crew and Cargo Dragon hardware during post-flight and pre-flight processing.
Design and develop hardware and software tools to optimize test operations and vehicle processing.
Act as a vehicle controller and test conductor during integrated system tests.
Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and work scope for capsule refurbishment campaigns.
Manage ground support equipment and facility improvement projects to maximize return on investment.
Troubleshoot vehicle or ground support equipment failures to identify root causes and write disposition plans.
Develop automated solutions for test processing, requirements management, and data reviews using SpaceX software.
Implement integration processes for assigned ownership areas to improve capsule design and ground processing.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, or another engineering discipline.
1+ years of experience with hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, or operations.
Ability to pass a Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible for required Department of State authorizations.
Ability to perform physical effort including standing and lifting/carrying materials weighing 15 to 45 lbs.
Comfortable working around hypergolic propellants and hazardous materials.
Ability to work extended hours in a high-tempo, high-stress environment and work outdoors.
Experience with test equipment, measurement techniques, schematics, and CAD software (preferred).