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 TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK)

The Starlink team designs, builds, and operates the most complex on orbit communications system in the world. As a Lead Test Engineer, you will take ownership of a engineering test lab and aid in the build and maintenance of test equipment across our factory. This role will involve the direct management a team of specialists and engineers. In parallel you will be responsible for scoping the development of test systems for future products and processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the team responsible for the development and maintenance of test systems
• Own the continued growth, development, organization, and safety of an engineering test lab
• Align team goals with higher level department and company goals
• Lead overall test development strategy including test coverage, safety, and maintenance
• Manage team’s technical documentation strategy and ensure records are up-to-date
• Manage and mentor engineers, specialists, and interns on the team. Evaluate project scope according to team’s skillset including labor and resourcing estimation
• Drive team recruiting activities
• Responsible for influencing future hardware design to improve test coverage and manufacturability
• Identify automation opportunities and establish requirements as well as evaluating return on investment for each. Work with in-house resources or vendors as necessary to develop these solutions and implement on production line

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of science in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering
• 3+ years of hands-on manufacturing and/or test experience
• Demonstrated ability to scope a hardware test, build a test setup, and implement this test into a development or production environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Previous experience leading team of high performing engineers and/or specialists
• Mechanical design experience and experience with CAD software
• Experience designing test racks and creating wiring diagrams
• Experience working in a highly adaptive and iterative environment
• Experience transitioning manual processes to partially or fully automated processes
• Experience with design of experiments, gauge repeatability and reproducibility, and process qualifications
• Experience defining production data requirements and statistical process control

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:                          

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.