Integration & Test Engineer (Falcon 9) - 2nd Shift

As an Integration & Test Engineer (Falcon 9) at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include overseeing the build and test processes for pneumatic, hydraulic, and structural subassemblies of the Falcon launch vehicle. You'll assist design engineers in guiding concepts to production-capable designs, develop and qualify manufacturing processes, and collaborate closely with various engineers and technicians to resolve large-scale production challenges.

To qualify for the Integration & Test Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates need a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics, along with at least one year of relevant engineering experience in manufacturing, design, test, or development. Familiarity with pneumatic or hydraulic systems and experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry are also highly preferred.

Preferred skills for the Integration & Test Engineer position at SpaceX include experience with fluid and electrical systems, knowledge of manufacturing techniques, and familiarity with test equipment such as pumps and data acquisition systems. Proficiency in scientific programming languages like Python or MATLAB, along with experience in mechanical design and GD&T, will set you apart as a candidate!

The team culture for Integration & Test Engineers at SpaceX is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Engineers work closely together, sharing knowledge and mentoring each other. You’ll find an environment conducive to technical excellence and a strong focus on achieving SpaceX’s mission of making human life multi-planetary.

Yes, candidates for the Integration & Test Engineer role at SpaceX must comply with ITAR requirements, which restrict employment to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. Additionally, you’ll be expected to work 2nd shift, which is from 4 PM to 2 AM, and must be comfortable working directly with hardware on the production floor.

Pneumatic and hydraulic systems are critical in aerospace applications for controlling movement and operating various mechanical components. In your answer, elaborate on their principles of operation, efficiencies, and specific use cases in aircraft or spacecraft systems, demonstrating your understanding of their significance in the engineering process.

When troubleshooting non-conformances, it's essential to conduct a root cause analysis. Describe a systematic process you would use - starting from identifying the issue, gathering relevant data, and collaborating with the quality team to implement corrective actions. Highlight your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Discuss any relevant experience you have, such as your exposure to manufacturing processes specific to the aerospace sector. Provide examples of projects you've worked on, emphasizing your contributions to streamlining processes, improving efficiency, or ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Key factors include materials selection, production methods, and assembly considerations. In your response, emphasize the need for designs to balance functionality and manufacturing efficiency, noting any experiences where you've influenced designs for better manufacturability while maintaining performance standards.

Keeping abreast of advancements involves regularly engaging with industry journals, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks. Share specific sources you utilize and highlight your curiosity about emerging technologies, demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning in aerospace engineering.

Be prepared to describe a specific instance where you faced an engineering challenge. Discuss your thought process in identifying the problem, the steps you took to devise a solution, and the impact that your resolution had on the project. Focusing on a collaborative scenario can highlight your teamwork abilities.

Discuss your experience with tools and technologies such as CAD software, simulation tools, or programming in Python/MATLAB for data analysis. Providing concrete examples of how you've used these tools to improve design outcomes or test processes can deliver a solid response.

Mentoring involves guiding juniors through hands-on training, knowledge sharing, and encouraging their problem-solving skills. Discuss your approach for assessing their needs, outlining tasks, and providing constructive feedback while fostering a supportive learning environment.

Prioritizing requires evaluating project deadlines, dependencies, and resources. Describe your organizational methods, such as using project management tools, and emphasize your ability to maintain productivity while ensuring high-quality standards, even under pressure.

GD&T stands for Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, which is critical for defining engineering drawings accurately. Explain how GD&T affects the manufacturability and ensures that parts fit together correctly, highlighting its role in maintaining quality assurance in production environments.