Test Specialist, Production Checkouts (Starship)
Job Description
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.
