Components Build and Test Engineer

COMPONENTS BUILD AND TEST ENGINEER

The Falcon Propulsion Components team develops the most advanced launch vehicle components in the world. Engineers on this team are hardware experts for the flow control devices and mechanisms that drive critical capabilities on our Falcon vehicles - from engine throttling to attitude control. We design and build valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900F to -400F and pressures beyond 5,000 psig. We are seeking engineers who love getting hands-on with hardware to troubleshoot and resolve all kinds of challenges with components manufacturing and flight.

As a Components Build & Test Engineer, you will tackle open-ended test and launch failure investigations, personally perform testing to inform design updates or identify risks, work closely with the factory floor to implement design and build upgrades, and deliver components at an industry-leading rate without sacrificing quality or capability. You’ll also be responsible for the design, fabrication, and maintenance of some of the coolest pressure test assets at SpaceX’s Hawthorne site, including cryogenic test chambers and state-of-the-art automated test carts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the production, assembly and testing of propulsion, environmental and thermal control system components for our Falcon programs
• Create assembly and test work instructions, as well as design fixtures and tooling to enable high rate production
• Design, manufacture and maintain automated high pressure test equipment
• Question existing requirements and lead creative changes to production process and hardware
• Collaborate and work closely with design engineers, build and test technicians, internal machine shops and external vendors to make parts that are designed for manufacturability
• Resolve and analyze manufacturing and test discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
• Support component level testing such as proof and leak, fluid flow and functional checkouts

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline or physics
• 1+ years of experience manufacturing, building, testing, or troubleshooting hardware via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1+ years of research or professional experience in technical fields
• Experience with developing production processes, factory optimization, or manufacturing and machining methods
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and data review
• Hands-on experience trouble-shooting, building and testing hardware
• Understanding of fundamental principals in fluid systems and solid mechanics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Ability to travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed
• Ability to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Components Build and Test Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Components Build and Test Engineer /Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.