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.
