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.

TEST AUTOMATION ENGINEER (DRAGON CONTROLLER, SPACECRAFT)

Human spaceflight is inherently risky. SpaceX develops rigorous integrated test campaigns to exercise all flight systems for our Dragon spacecraft to maximize success. Dragon Test Automation Engineers will develop a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle and ground systems, requiring a rare cross-disciplinary perspective. This allows our Test Automation Engineers to create highly effective automation infrastructure to replace manual operations and checkouts with guided solutions spanning from splashdown to launch. You will serve as a bridge between the Dragon Engineering, Integration, and Maintenance teams creating automated tooling to evaluate the mission-worthiness of our Dragon spacecraft. Your contributions will directly impact astronaut safety and enable human exploration in the final frontier.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for verification of integrated Dragon flight systems to prove mission-worthiness
  • Propose and execute automation infrastructure enhancements to improve reliability and efficiency of vehicle operations and test campaigns from splashdown to launch
  • Help triage test anomaly escalation and implement corrective actions to ensure mission success
  • Develop full stack web applications to audit vehicle checkouts status and automate recurring engineering tasks
  • Drive long-term solutions for technical problems in collaboration with a wide range of engineering staff and highly skilled technicians across multiple sites

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science
  • 1+ years of experience in a test and/or automation engineering role (including internships, design/build/compete, collegiate project teams, etc)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline
  • Experience in automated control and monitoring of complex systems and risk assessment/reduction of the systems
  • Competency in systems including harnessing, avionics, instrumentation, radio frequency (RF), mechanisms, software, and fluids systems
  • Experience troubleshooting and debugging interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
  • Proficiency with programming in Python, C#.NET, Go, Scala, Java, or similar object-oriented language
  • Front-end experience in Angular, React, or similar JavaScript framework
  • Database experience with PostgreSQL, Neo4j, or similar database technologies
  • Experience with Linux, Bash, virtual machines, containerization technologies (i.e. Docker, Kubernetes), and computer networking
  • Understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring
  • Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a dynamic environment
  • Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Willing to travel up to ~20% travel to Cape Canaveral and other SpaceX sites
  • Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Ability to climb ladders and work in tight spaces

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:        
Test Automation Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Test Automation Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

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