Test Specialist, Production Checkouts (Starship)

Starbase, TX

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.

TEST SPECIALIST, PRODUCTION CHECKOUTS (STARSHIP)

Ship Production Checkouts is the dedicated test team that powers, presses, and functionally verifies every Starship before cryoproof, static fire, and flight. As a Test Specialist you sit on console as Vehicle Controller and execute production checkout test procedures. Your job is to run the vehicle through released test plans, keep people and hardware safe, and close test requirements so the ship can move.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serve as Vehicle Controller on console for Starship production checkouts at Starbase (Starfactory, Megabay 2, and associated stations)
  • Execute released test plans and work-order operations as written: leak checks, pneumatics mapping, propellant-system functionals, avionics mapping / integrity / functional testing
  • Run checkout sequences on flight hardware; halt operations immediately if personnel or vehicle safety requires it
  • Maintain radio discipline with technicians on the floor: audible callouts for pressurization, venting, valve actuation, power-state changes, and clears; enforce barriers, PPE, and stop-work authority
  • Cover production checkout stations at full or partial vehicle segments as needed
  • Monitor live telemetry and alarms; disposition checkout alarms; escalate off-nominal vehicle or GSE behavior; open issue tickets for hardware and procedure escapes
  • Drive test-requirement closeout from executed operations; do not proceed past failed or unsigned requirements
  • Execute within published operating limits and production operations procedures (vehicle pressure limits, COPV, tank pressure control, pressurized operations)
  • Conduct shift handoffs and campaign passdowns so the next controller can take the vehicle without a briefing gap
  • When not on console, feed execution lessons into the next run: test-plan redlines, step-level feedback, expected-alert lists, walkdown gaps, and campaign-duration waste — partner with Production Ops engineers who own the procedure
  • Support Test Readiness Reviews as the executing operator: confirm GSE, qualifications, procedure revision, and vehicle configuration are ready to run
  • Train and check out other Vehicle Controllers and technicians on console discipline, comms, and station-specific procedures
  • Interface with production supervisors, leads, avionics checkouts, and technicians to clear blockers that stop a running procedure, then return to console

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of experience executing work instructions, test procedures, or controlled operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience as an aerospace manufacturing technician, test technician, vehicle controller, or equivalent operations role in an aerospace, aviation, automotive, and/or manufacturing environment (internship and academic experience applicable)
  • Experience as a console operator, vehicle controller, or control-room operator
  • Experience with pressurized operations, high-pressure gases (GN2 / GHe), and/or cryogenic systems
  • Understanding of spacecraft systems including avionics, propulsion, pneumatics, and mechanical integration
  • Experience with MES / work-order systems
  • Experience reading telemetry, schematics, and P&IDs
  • Knowledge of pressure, temperature, and flow measurement devices
  • Experience troubleshooting live systems on schedule with little to no supervision, individually or as part of an integrated team
  • Excellent written, verbal, and radio communication skills, including experience communicating with technicians and engineers during live operations
  • Data analysis skills in Excel, VBA, and/or SQL
  • Existing pressure-safety or hazardous-operations qualifications
  • Experience training others on operational procedures
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work all shifts, including nights, overtime, and weekends as needed
  • Ability to stand for extended periods – 8 hours minimum
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be able to travel – up to 5%
  • Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 200 feet)
  • Ability to work in confined spaces
  • Able to work in an outdoor environment exposed to heat, cold, and rain
  • Able to work in an environment exposed to fumes, odors, and noise
  • Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
  • Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 3 hours per day
  • Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 30 minutes or less per day
  • Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

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