The opportunity
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.
What you'll do
Develop and execute rigorous tests at the system, thruster, and: component-level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the Starlink mission.
Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new: system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand/diagnostic equipment design & fabrication.
Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to build test: articles, fabricate test stands and test stand equipment, integrate test articles and execute test processes.
Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and: instrumentation with primarily Beckhoff/TwinCat DAQ systems and python-based test software.
Operate and troubleshoot electric thrusters and supporting equipment,: including high-vacuum facilities, pressurized feed systems, avionics circuits, and thruster diagnostics.
What they're looking for
- Design, operate, and fabricate mechanical systems for thruster ground: support; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid/electronic components such as valves, tubing, and transient protection circuitry.
- Execute the scientific method repeatedly in a R&D context, with an emphasis: on minimizing asterisks and unknowns, and maximizing clear, actionable conclusions to inform improvements in propulsion system reliability and performance.
- Manage schedules and deliverables for vehicle subsystem qualification: testing; document & present results and conclusions clearly and explain technical details to wide audiences.
- Operate and interpret results from electronic, mechanical, and plasma: diagnostics, including oscilloscope and current/voltage diagnostics, pressure transducers, gas flowmeters, and low-force thrust stands.