Lead Development Test Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · 2+ years experience · Posted Sep 22, 2026

At a glance

SpaceX is looking for a Lead Development Test Engineer to oversee a team responsible for development and qualification test of satellite hardware in Bastrop.
This individual owns design, activation, safety, and reliability of thermal, fluids, chamber, structural, and vibration test capability.
The role spans design, analysis, and manufacturing, taking large-scope projects from early trades through implementation.

Lead a team of engineers enabling rapid hardware development through test — thermal, fluids, environmental chambers, structural, vibration, and dynamic test
Oversee and own development-focused thermal chambers (HASS / HALT) and, as capability stands up, TVAC — hardware, fixturing, profiles, instrumentation, controls/dashboards, safety
Oversee structural, vibration, pressure, and related mechanical test: test article and stand configuration, boundary conditions, schematics, CONOPS
Act as technical decision maker and advisor to the team
Coach and develop direct reports; set clear goals
Develop, document, and implement cross-functional testing solutions (capability, coverage, safety)
Design and implement GSE: fixtures, automated test equipment, facilities infrastructure
Operate and activate stands with engineers and technicians; partner with Development Operations for fab

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
3+ years of hands-on design, analysis, build, and test
2+ year leading a product development, manufacturing engineering, or project team
Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed

2+ years of experience with CAD, FEA, and/or FEM
Professional test experience (development test, environmental test, qual, or I&T)
Experience with thermal HASS and/or HALT chambers (ran, specified, or owned campaigns)
Experience with structural and/or vibration testing (static, dynamic, vibe, or equivalent)
TVAC / thermal-vacuum campaigns (owned or operated)
Both thermal-chamber and structural/vibe campaigns (not only one)
Design, build, and activation of fluids, thermal, vacuum, structural, or electromechanical systems
Full-cycle ownership of a hardware or test campaign from concept through implementation