Test Specialist, Production Checkouts (Starship)

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.

• 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

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate

• 1+ years of experience executing work instructions, test procedures, or controlled operations

• 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