Development Test Engineer (Starshield)

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. DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a Development Test Engineer on the Starshield team, you’ll design and build the custom test solutions that unlock the next generation of our satellites. You’ll take ownership of reducing hardware development time and dramatically increasing reliability by creating innovative test equipment and running rigorous development tests on Starshield’s upcoming products, ground systems, spacecraft, and critical subassemblies. From inventing new fixtures and automated systems to validating structures, components, and mechanisms under real-world conditions, you’ll turn ambitious designs into flight-ready hardware that powers secure, high-performance satellite constellations. If you thrive on hands-on engineering, rapid iteration, and solving problems that no off-the-shelf solution can handle, this is your chance to make a direct impact on the future of space. RESPONSIBILITIES: Design, develop, and execute static and dynamic environmental tests (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.) on satellite systems, components, and mechanisms — owning test articles, fixtures, boundary conditions, schematics, and CONOPS Lead the bring-up, commissioning, modification, and continuous improvement of test assets including TVAC chambers, vibration shakers, structural test stands, and hydraulic systems Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, thermal, launch and integration engineers to defin