Components Build and Test Engineer (Falcon)

COMPONENTS BUILD AND TEST ENGINEER (FALCON)

The Propulsion Components team develops the most advanced launch vehicle components in the world. Our engineers serve as hardware experts for the flow control devices and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our Falcon vehicles - from engine throttling to attitude control. We design and build valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900°F to -400°F and pressures beyond 5,000 psig. 

Propulsion component engineers (manufacturing-focused) take full ownership over their hardware: urgently troubleshooting issues at test/launch sites, performing hands-on testing to inform development or root cause investigations, implementing design or test upgrades to improve reliability or reuse, and enabling high-rate valve production. Falcon is approaching 20-flight reuse and its highest-ever launch rate in support of our Starlink satellite deployment. We are seeking hands-on engineers to tackle open-ended failure investigations, rapidly implement design and build upgrades, perform flight-like testing to ensure mission success, and deliver components at an industry-leading rate without sacrificing quality or capability. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Own the production, assembly, and testing of propulsion, environmental, and thermal control system components for our Falcon programs 
• Create assembly and test work instructions, as well as design fixtures and tooling to enable high-rate production 
• Design, manufacture, and maintain automated high-pressure test equipment
• Question existing requirements and lead creative changes to production process and hardware 
• Collaborate and work closely with design engineers, build and test technicians, internal machine shops and external vendors to make parts that are designed for manufacturability
• Resolve and analyze manufacturing and test discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
• Support component level testing such as proof and leak, fluid flow and functional checkouts 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline or physics 
• 1+ years of experience manufacturing, building, testing, or troubleshooting hardware via professional work experience and/or project/research-based student experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 1+ years of research or professional experience in technical fields
• Experience with developing production processes, factory optimization, or manufacturing and machining methods
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and data review
• Hands-on experience trouble-shooting, building and testing hardware
• Understanding of fundamental principals in fluid systems and solid mechanics 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Ability to travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed 
• Ability to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:         
Manufacturing Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year           
Manufacturing 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.