Integration & Test Engineer (Falcon)

As an Integration & Test Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX, your main responsibilities include processing Falcon 9 flight vehicles for rapid re-use, developing and executing integration procedures, leading hands-on assembly and testing phases, and resolving test results in collaboration with other engineering teams. You’ll also design tools for assembly, perform critical investigations on product reliability, and manage non-conformance issues.

Candidates for the Integration & Test Engineer position must hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. A minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, or fluid systems is essential. Preferred skills include advanced degrees in relevant engineering fields and professional experience with complex multi-disciplinary systems, particularly in areas such as spacecraft integration and hazardous systems.

For the Integration & Test Engineer role at SpaceX, preferred skills include extensive experience in designing and testing complex systems, proficiency in writing test plans, and hands-on experience with spacecraft integration and testing. Familiarity with high-pressure systems, crane operations, and avionics will further enhance your fit for this exciting position.

Working as an Integration & Test Engineer at SpaceX offers a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You’ll be in a highly collaborative setting requiring both autonomy and teamwork, often under challenging conditions that demand high concentration and efficiency. The role involves physical labor, including lifting and operating equipment, so a commitment to safety and operational excellence is vital.

SpaceX offers a robust benefits package for Integration & Test Engineers that includes competitive salaries, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid parental leave. Additionally, employees can accrue paid vacation and sick leave while also having opportunities for stock options and performance bonuses.

When troubleshooting integration issues as an Integration & Test Engineer, it's crucial to methodically analyze the problem by gathering data, collaborating with team members, and reviewing test results. Use your engineering knowledge to identify potential causes and assess risks before implementing corrective actions. Clear documentation throughout this process is essential for future references.

In your response, provide specific examples of your hands-on experiences with mechanical and electrical systems, perhaps detailing a project where you integrated both. Highlight any challenges faced, how you resolved them, and what tools or methods you utilized, underlining your adaptability and technical acumen in the Integration & Test Engineer role.

Discuss your familiarity with writing and executing testing procedures in previous roles. Highlight your ability to develop test plans based on project requirements and any experiences where you initiated improvements in testing setups based on past results or lessons learned.

Share a specific situation where you effectively led a team through the integration and testing of a multi-disciplinary system. Emphasize your leadership skills, how you delegated tasks, resolved conflicts, and ensured the project met its objectives while adhering to deadlines.

Emphasize your understanding of safety protocols and risk assessment practices. Discuss how you prioritize safety during all phases of work, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a safety-conscious environment among team members as essential to the Integration & Test Engineer role.

Identify specific tools and technologies you're familiar with, such as CAD software, data acquisition tools, or any integration systems relevant to the aerospace field. Highlight your ability to quickly learn new technologies and tools as a key asset for the Integration & Test Engineer role.

Discuss strategies for maintaining productivity under stress, such as prioritizing tasks, using time management techniques, and collaborating with your team to ensure a cohesive approach. Stress your commitment to delivering quality outcomes even when facing urgent timelines.

Articulate your passion for aerospace engineering and SpaceX's mission. Discuss how the role aligns with your professional aspirations and how you can contribute to the company's innovative projects, especially in the context of enhancing space exploration technologies.

Discuss specific experiences involving large assembly operations, particularly focusing on any crane operations or handling heavy equipment. Highlight challenges you faced and how you managed them efficiently, ensuring all safety and procedural guidelines were observed.

Emphasize your proactive learning approach, detailing methods like seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, attending training sessions, and utilizing available resources to grasp new systems effectively, reinforcing your adaptability as an Integration & Test Engineer.