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.

INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER (MERLIN)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversee the assembly and testing processes for Falcon and Falcon Heavy launch vehicle assemblies, which may include Stage 1, Stage 2, Merlin engines, and pneumatic, hydraulic, structural, and engine subassemblies
  • Assist design engineers in guiding new designs from concepts to qualified, production-capable spaceflight mechanisms
  • Work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and test requirements, then implement in a rapidly-evolving production environment
  • Develop, qualify, and refine manufacturing & test processes to bring products from prototype to high-volume production
  • Define and create first-of-their-kind standards and practices within industry, driving SpaceX to the forefront of aerospace hardware manufacturability
  • Interface with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve large-scale production challenges
  • Ideate and implement tooling and test solutions, enabling high quality build of SpaceX hardware
  • Quickly resolve non-conformances and work with the Quality team to implement root cause corrective actions
  • Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to the meet volume production demand
  • Mentor other team members on high-level engineering tasks, promoting the team culture and technical excellence across resources

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
  • 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, design, test, or development (internship and project team experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with the building and testing of fluid and/or electrical systems
  • Experience with the build and test of pneumatic, hydraulic, and structural assemblies
  • Experience with test equipment (pumps, valves, heaters, instrumentation, data acquisition, and automation)
  • Experience with scientific computer science languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • Experience with fluid and electrical system simulation and automation testing
  • Experience data reduction and post-processing tools
  • Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis (3D computer-aided design)
  • Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to machining, welding, drilling, and automation
  • Experience working with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and familiarity with complex tolerance stack-ups
  • Experience with process development from R&D to high-volume manufacturing
  • Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
  • Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
  • Will sometimes be working directly with the hardware on the floor and will have to be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
  • This position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:        

Pay range:
Integration & Test Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Integration & 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 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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