Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$100,000–$117,500 / yr
Posted
today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k
This role $109k
$89k most similar roles pay here $204k

This role pays less than 90% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$192,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $109k versus about $164k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 similar postings.

Employer

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 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites (Starlink)

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The Electric Propulsion Test Engineer at SpaceX will join the Starlink team to ensure that electric thrusters and their components are rigorously tested for optimal performance in space. This hands-on role involves designing and executing test campaigns, creating detailed test plans, and operating high-tech equipment such as Beckhoff/TwinCat DAQ systems and Python-based software. The engineer will work closely with technicians to build and integrate test articles, fabricate mechanical systems, and automate repetitive tasks for efficiency and safety. Essential skills include a master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, hands-on hardware experience, proficiency in Python and C/C++, and knowledge of hazardous system safety practices. This role demands expertise in aerospace structural testing, data analysis, and collaboration with design engineers to enhance propulsion system reliability.

Skills

Python Beckhoff TwinCat DAQ C++ CAD Unigraphics_NX MATLAB Excel PowerPoint Word Outlook OneNote Pressure_Transducers Thermocouples RTDs Strain_Gauges Accelerometers Flow_Meters Load_Cells Relays Solenoid_Valves High_Vacuum_Facilities Pressurized_Feed_Systems Avionics_Circuits Thruster_Diagnostics Mechanical_Schematics Electrical_Schematics Hazardous_Systems_Safety Cryogenic_Systems Flammable_Systems High_Voltage_Systems High_Pressure_Systems Windows_OS

What you'll do

  • Develop and execute rigorous tests at system, thruster, and component levels.
  • Design and fabricate test stands and diagnostic equipment for electric thrusters.
  • Operate high-vacuum facilities and pressurized feed systems during testing.
  • Analyze data from electronic and mechanical diagnostics to ensure hardware performance.
  • Automate repetitive test operations to enhance efficiency and safety.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace engineering or physics.
  • 1+ years of hands-on hardware experience in production and test systems.
  • Experience with DAQ setup and instrumentation networking using logic controllers.
  • Knowledge of hazardous systems including cryogenic, flammable, high-voltage environments.
  • Proficiency in Python for automation and data analysis tasks.
  • Ability to read and understand technical manuals, schematics, and reports.

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