Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $100,000–$117,500 / yr
Posted: 105 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live 2 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $152k

This role $109k

$91k most similar roles pay here $182k

This role pays less than 94% of similar roles. Most pay $130,425–$173,125 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $109k versus about $152k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 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 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites

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Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites (Starlink) is responsible for ensuring that electric thrusters and associated components are tested and qualified for flight conditions within a high-rate production environment. The role involves designing and executing rigorous test campaigns at the system, thruster, and component levels to evaluate hardware performance and survivability. Key responsibilities include creating test plans, managing technician workflows, developing test procedures and scripts, and fabricating mechanical systems like test stands and heat exchangers. Candidates will utilize Beckhoff/TwinCat DAQ systems, Python-based software, and various instrumentation including pressure transducers, flowmeters, and oscilloscopes. The work focuses on the propulsion systems for a large satellite constellation, requiring technical analysis of plasma diagnostics and high-vacuum facilities to improve reliability. Essential skills include proficiency in Python, CAD modeling, and experience with high-pressure or high-voltage systems.

Skills

Python C++ MATLAB Beckhoff TwinCat DAQ CAD Unigraphics NX Microsoft Office Data Acquisition Instrumentation Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Control Systems

What you'll do

Design and execute rigorous test campaigns at the system, thruster, and component levels to evaluate hardware performance.
Create test plans, develop procedures, and write scripts or configuration files for data acquisition systems.
Operate and troubleshoot high-vacuum facilities, pressurized feed systems, and electric thruster diagnostic equipment.
Design and fabricate mechanical components for ground support, including test stands, heat exchangers, and fluid systems.
Direct technicians in the construction of test articles and the fabrication of test stand hardware.
Analyze and interpret data from electronic, mechanical, and plasma diagnostics to inform propulsion system improvements.
Automate repetitive test operations using Python-based software to increase testing capability and safety.
Manage schedules for vehicle subsystem qualification testing and present technical results to various audiences.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or a related STEM field.
At least 1 year of hands-on hardware experience from internships, clubs, or other activities.
Experience in production and test systems is preferred.
Proficiency in Python (intermediate/advanced) and familiarity with C/C++, MATLAB, and CAD modeling.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical schematics and technical manuals.
Knowledge of hazardous systems including cryogenic, flammable, high-voltage, and high-pressure systems.
Experience with test instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters, and load cells.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.

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