Lead Development Test Engineer (Starlink)

About the Role

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for the development and qualification testing of satellite hardware in Bastrop. This role involves owning the design, activation, safety, and reliability of various test capabilities, including thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration tests. The position spans design, analysis, and manufacturing, requiring the management of large-scope projects from early trades through implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers enabling rapid hardware development through test, including thermal, fluids, environmental chambers, structural, vibration, and dynamic tests.
• Oversee development-focused thermal chambers (HASS / HALT) and, as capability stands up, TVAC, including hardware, fixturing, profiles, instrumentation, controls/dashboards, and safety.
• Oversee structural, vibration, pressure, and related mechanical tests, including test article and stand configuration, boundary conditions, schematics, and CONOPS.
• Act as the technical decision-maker and advisor to the team.
• Coach and develop direct reports, setting clear goals.
• Develop, document, and implement cross-functional testing solutions for capability, coverage, and safety.
• Design and implement Ground Support Equipment (GSE): fixtures, automated test equipment, and facilities infrastructure.
• Operate and activate test stands with engineers and technicians, partnering with Development Operations for fabrication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in design, analysis, build, and test.
• 2+ years 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 in development test, environmental test, qualification, or integration and test (I&T).
• Experience with thermal HASS and/or HALT chambers, including running, specifying, or owning campaigns.
• Experience with structural and/or vibration testing (static, dynamic, vibe, or equivalent).
• Experience with TVAC / thermal-vacuum campaigns, either owned or operated.
• Experience with both thermal-chamber and structural/vibration campaigns.
• 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.
• Experience with hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, fluids).
• Chamber automation, profiles, fixturing, DAQ (strain, PT, load, TC), and NCR closure.
• Automation / scripting experience (Python, C++, SQL, PLC).
• Proficiency in NX, SolidWorks, or EPLAN.
• Strong desire to mentor and develop engineers.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work weekends and extended hours as needed.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, in compliance with ITAR regulations.