Development Test Technician (Mechanical)

As a Development Test Technician (Mechanical) at SpaceX, you'll be responsible for preparing test stands, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring all components meet safety and operational requirements. Your work will be critical in supporting test operations and ensuring we build flight-worthy spacecraft engines.

To qualify for the Development Test Technician (Mechanical) role at SpaceX, you should have at least a high school diploma or equivalency and a minimum of 3 years' experience working with complex mechanical systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or heavy equipment. Familiarity with using power tools and calibrated tools is also essential.

Candidates with an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P) license, experience in aviation electronics, or certifications in automotive engineering are highly valued at SpaceX. Additionally, skills in hydraulic plumbing repair and familiarity with vacuum systems can set you apart from other applicants.

The work environment for a Development Test Technician (Mechanical) at SpaceX is fast-paced and dynamic. You will often work both indoors and outdoors at the rocket development facility, where you must be comfortable operating in various weather conditions and working from heights. Safety and teamwork are paramount to the role.

At SpaceX, Development Test Technicians (Mechanical) have ample opportunities for growth, including potential promotions based on performance, specialized training, and the chance to lead innovative projects. Your experience can even lead to roles in engineering or management within the company.

Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've identified and solved problems in mechanical systems. Detail the challenges you faced, the tools or methods you used, and what the outcomes were, emphasizing your analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Discuss your understanding of safety protocols regarding high-pressure systems. Highlight any certifications or training you've received and mention specific precautions you've taken in past roles to ensure a safe working environment.

Explain your experience with documentation, including any software tools you’ve used. Discuss how accurate documentation impacts overall testing operations and your approach to maintaining clear records of procedures and results.

Talk about how a clean workspace enhances efficiency and safety. Provide examples of organizational systems or checklists you've implemented in the past to maintain order while working on mechanical systems.

Share a specific scenario where you identified a bottleneck or inefficiency in a process. Describe the steps you took to improve it and the positive impacts it had on the workload or team efficiency.

Discuss your coping strategies for high-pressure situations, such as prioritizing tasks or staying focused on objectives. Share examples where you successfully performed under pressure, demonstrating reliability in critical situations.

Emphasize the necessity of teamwork in achieving testing objectives and safety. Discuss how collaboration leads to better problem-solving outcomes and can improve innovation in testing procedures.

Mention the types of power tools and calibrated tools you are proficient with. Provide examples of how you've effectively used these tools in your previous roles to accomplish tasks related to mechanical assembly or testing.

Illustrate your commitment to continuous learning. Provide examples of how you've quickly picked up new technologies in past jobs, whether through formal training or hands-on experience.

Share your passion for aerospace and space exploration. Discuss how contributions to high-stakes projects like those at SpaceX drive you to excel and innovate in your work.