New Graduate Engineer, Mechanical

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. NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, MECHANICAL The elite engineering team at our test facility in Central Texas (Waco, TX area) focuses on test operations for Raptor, Starship, Falcon, Dragon, and more. We are looking for engineers who focus on testing operations (test set-up, on-console running tests, data analysis, troubleshooting, etc.) as well as ground support equipment operations (design & build test stands, propellant disbursement, etc.). This is a fast-paced, hands-on, constantly evolving, real-as-it-gets engineering environment for the ambitious. Some engineering groups design, build, activate, modify, and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that power, restrain, and measure the most powerful high-volume rocket engines in the world, while others specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule. From thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens to tens of pounds per second of high-pressure gas, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding test program both today and in the future. RESPONSIBILITIES: TEST OPERATIONS: Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication Provide daily directions and instructions to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation (DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments-based) Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including hypergols & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc. Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT: Analyze, design, and build systems that support testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various rocket components Drive cradle-to-grave ownership of engineering projects through design reviews, decision justifications, equipment procurement, and coordination/participation in the construction of your ideas Work directly with skilled technicians to build your designs and fix real-world problems on the fly Maintain a tight feedback loop with the test operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight testing deadlines critical to company success Operate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve testing objectives, and apply lessons learned to iterate system designs for improved performance and maintenance Evaluate complex engineering needs and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that support test programs and achieve company objectives Take a hands-on approach to tackling rapidly emerging field projects that keep the company testing rocket engines and vehicles every single day BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics