Integration & Test Engineer (Merlin)

As an Integration & Test Engineer (Merlin) at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include overseeing assembly and testing processes for the Falcon and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles, guiding new design concepts from the drawing board to qualified production mechanisms, and ensuring that all designs meet rigorous manufacturability and test standards. You'll be collaborating closely with design engineers and other specialists to solve complex production challenges, making your role crucial in achieving our mission to make life multi-planetary.

To qualify for the Integration & Test Engineer (Merlin) position at SpaceX, you need a bachelor's degree in engineering or physics and at least one year of relevant engineering experience in areas such as manufacturing, design, or test development. Preferred qualifications include experience with fluid and electrical systems, test equipment, and proficiency in scientific computing languages like Python or MATLAB. Familiarity with GD&T and experience in aerospace production environments are also advantageous for applicants.

The Integration & Test Engineer (Merlin) plays a crucial role at SpaceX by guiding the assembly and testing of innovative launch vehicles, which are essential for our mission of advancing human life beyond Earth. By developing new manufacturing and testing processes, you will not only ensure the quality and reliability of our products but also help drive SpaceX towards the forefront of aerospace innovation, directly contributing to our goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Preferred skills for the Integration & Test Engineer (Merlin) position at SpaceX include hands-on experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, and structural assembly testing, proficiency with data acquisition systems and automation, and knowledge of manufacturing techniques related to metallic components. Additionally, a solid understanding of 3D CAD software for mechanical and tooling design, as well as data analysis tools, will greatly benefit candidates aiming for success in this role.

Integration & Test Engineers at SpaceX enjoy a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary range of $95,000 to $130,000, depending on experience and level. In addition to salary, employees receive benefits such as comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, vacation time, and various employee discounts and perks. The role also offers the potential for stock options and long-term incentives, making it a highly rewarding position.

In your answer, illustrate your hands-on experience with assembly and testing. Discuss specific projects where you directly oversaw these processes, focusing on any challenges faced and how you applied your engineering knowledge to overcome them.

Share your approach to evaluating designs for manufacturability. Highlight any techniques you use for collaboration with design engineers and your experiences in bridging the gap between conceptual designs and production-ready products.

When answering, provide a specific example of a production challenge you faced. Detail your problem-solving approach, including any data analysis or engineering principles applied to find a solution, and the ultimate outcome of your efforts.

Outline the various tools and systems you are experienced with in testing and data acquisition. Be sure to mention any automation technologies and instrumentation you’ve handled, relating them to your previous job roles or projects.

Discuss your commitment to professional development. Include any relevant courses, seminars, or workshops you attend, and mention any industry publications you read to stay informed about advances in aerospace engineering.

Detail your level of expertise in GD&T and provide examples of how you have applied it in past projects. Explain how you ensure adherence to these standards during both design and manufacturing phases.

When discussing your programming skills, mention specific projects where you've utilized these languages. Focus on any simulation or automation tasks you've accomplished and the outcomes achieved through your programming efforts.

Share your mentoring approach, providing examples of how you’ve helped junior engineers grow. Discuss specific instances of knowledge sharing and collaboration that enhanced team performance and technical understanding.

Elaborate on your ability to be flexible and innovative in testing procedures. Provide examples of times you've had to adjust protocols to meet evolving production demands without compromising on quality.

Share insights into your experience in production environments within aerospace. Highlight key learnings and how you’ve applied this experience to improve workflow efficiency, product quality, or team collaboration.