Test Engineer (Dragon)
Core
Ensuring engines and components used on Dragon spacecraft are tested and qualified to function in flight conditions through design and execution of unique tests.
Role type
Test Engineer (Rocket Propulsion & Hardware)
Builds
Dragon spacecraft engines and components
Domain
Aerospace / Rocket Propulsion
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
mechanical systems design, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, test operations, test stand equipment design/fabrication, data acquisition systems, fluid and mechanical systems operation, automation of test operations, hazard identification, root cause analysis, 3D modeling software, coding languages, technical manual interpretation
Preferred skills
hazardous systems handling, project management, leadership in high-pressure situations, instrumentation and control components, creative design from scratch
Technologies
National Instruments, Siemens NX, Inventor, CATIA, Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic
Responsibilities
Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission. Repeated ownership of a test campaign, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and some test stand equipment design/fabrication. Provide daily direction and instruction 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. Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low-to-high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants. 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. 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.
Seniority
Entry-level to Mid-level, hands-on IC