Lead Development Test Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior-level engineering leaders who can manage complex hardware testing systems and drive cross-functional development.

Best fit for

Candidates with hands-on experience in multiple testing domains and team leadership capabilities
— “Lead a team of engineers enabling rapid hardware development through test”
Engineers with a background in developing and activating test systems and instrumentation
— “Design and implement GSE: fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure”

Things to consider

Must be eligible for U.S. Government export authorizations, which limits international candidates
— “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident”
Role involves working weekends and extended hours, which may impact work-life balance
— “Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed”

How to stand out

Highlight experience in both thermal and structural testing systems, not just one domain
— “Both thermal-chamber and structural/vibe campaigns (not only one)”
Emphasize your ability to define processes and drive requirements for complex test systems
— “Define processes, drive requirements, and activate systems that meet the bar”
Showcase your background in automation and scripting, particularly in Python or C++
— “Automation / scripting (Python, C++, SQL, PLC)”
Demonstrate your track record in full-cycle ownership of hardware or test campaigns
— “Full-cycle ownership of a hardware or test campaign from concept through implementation”
Include experience with hazardous systems such as high pressure or high energy environments
— “Experience with hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, fluids)”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

activating systems that meet the bar
defining processes
driving requirements

Typical background

hands-on design, analysis, build, and test

Skills & requirements

Required

Thermal TestingStructural TestingVibration TestingProject Management

Preferred

CADFEAFEMAutomation

Stack & domain

CADFEAFEMPythonC++SQLPLCNXSolidworksEplanLeadershipMentorshipEngineeringManufacturing

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.
LEAD DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is looking for a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification test of satellite hardware in Bastrop. This individual owns design, activation, safety, and reliability of thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability (HASS, HALT, TVAC, static/dynamic/vibe). The role spans design, analysis, and manufacturing. You will take large-scope projects from early trades through implementation, define processes, drive requirements, and activate systems that meet the bar.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead a team of engineers enabling rapid hardware development through test — thermal, fluids, environmental chambers, structural, vibration, and dynamic test
Oversee and own development-focused thermal chambers (HASS / HALT) and, as capability stands up, TVAC — hardware, fixturing, profiles, instrumentation, controls/dashboards, safety
Oversee structural, vibration, pressure, and related mechanical test: test article and stand configuration, boundary conditions, schematics, CONOPS
Act as technical decision maker and advisor to the team
Coach and develop direct reports; set clear goals
Develop, document, and implement cross-functional testing solutions (capability, coverage, safety)
Design and implement GSE: fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure
Operate and activate stands with engineers and technicians; partner with Development Operations for fab (you do not own technician people ops)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
3+ years of hands-on design, analysis, build, and test
2+ year leading a product development, manufacturing engineering, or project team
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
2+ years of experience with CAD, FEA, and/or FEM
Professional test experience (development test, environmental test, qual, or I&T)
Experience with thermal HASS and/or HALT chambers (ran, specified, or owned campaigns)
Experience with structural and/or vibration testing (static, dynamic, vibe, or equivalent)
TVAC / thermal-vacuum campaigns (owned or operated)
Both thermal-chamber and structural/vibe campaigns (not only one)
Design, build, and activation of fluids, thermal, vacuum, structural, or electromechanical systems
Full-cycle ownership of a hardware or test campaign from concept through implementation
Hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, fluids)
Chamber automation, profiles, fixturing, DAQ (strain, PT, load, TC), NCR closure
Automation / scripting (Python, C++, SQL, PLC)
NX, SolidWorks, EPLAN
Strong desire to mentor and develop engineers
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)