Test Automation Engineer (Dragon Controller, Spacecraft)

TEST AUTOMATION ENGINEER (DRAGON STRUCTURES)

SpaceX develops rigorous test campaigns to exercise all flight systems for our Dragon spacecraft in order to maximize success. Dragon Test Automation Engineers develop a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle systems, requiring a rare cross disciplinary perspective. As a Dragon Test Automation Engineer, you will serve as a bridge between the Dragon development and operations teams. You will follow individual spacecrafts from initial power-on through shipment to the launch site for final integration and seek out ways to replace manual processing with automated solutions. You will contribute to the development, automation, and execution of test procedures in order to fully exercise the spacecraft’s systems. Your contributions will directly impact astronaut safety and enable human exploration in the final frontier.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the execution of both Cargo and Crew Dragon spacecraft testing from initial power on through shipment to the launch site
• Act as a Dragon vehicle controller and test conductor during Dragon integrated system tests and launch operations
• Develop automated test procedures that evaluate the flight-worthiness of the spacecraft.
• Contribute to automated test infrastructure (hardware and software) as necessary for automated test development
• Collaborate with a wide range of engineering staff and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
• Work government and commercial customers on pre-flight and post-flight preparations for human spaceflight
• Troubleshoot and develop long-term solutions for technical problems in collaboration with the larger SpaceX workforce

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline
• Experience in control and monitoring of complex automated systems and risk assessment/reduction of the systems
• Proficiency with programming in Python
• Competency in analog and digital circuits, fluids, statics and mechanics, sensors and instrumentation, data acquisition, and software
• Strong project management skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces
• Occasional travel to other SpaceX sites, as needed; ~5%
• Schedules vary due to site operational needs – flexibility required

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.