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Development Test Engineer, Battery (Starship Electronics)

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA4w ago
$100k – $115kfrom the posting

BS-level Quality / Testing roles on Crosslinked list a median of $109k (164 that show pay).

Develop and operate test stands to characterize battery cells for Starship, including electrical and thermal runaway testing.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Work on cutting-edge battery tech for Mars-bound spacecraft, with hands-on test engineering and exposure to thermal runaway.

Might not be for you. Primarily electrical testing, not materials-focused; limited polymer/materials science content.

Mostly at the benchHands-on executionFast-paced First industry roleBS acceptable

Adjacent materials rolecharacterize and qualify batteries cell technologies ... testing from purely electrical such as EIS, to multi-displinary setups such as thermal runaway testing

H-1B filings

SpaceX filed 7 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Senior Build Engineer, Starlink Engineer, Propulsion Engineer II. Median filed pay: $120K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Entry level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
1+ yrs
Industry
Aerospace
Role
Quality / Testing
Materials
battery cell failure modes
Techniques
Benefits
equity/stockEmployee Stock Purchase Plandiscretionary bonuses

Role details

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.

DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER, BATTERY

(STARSHIP ELECTRONICS)

Join the Starship Electronics team to characterize and qualify batteries cell technologies for our next negation vehicles. Working in concert with the Inverter and Battery design teams, you will identify the operating environment under which cells need to perform, often pushing the hard past its rated capabilities to failure. In this role, you will perform a variety of testing from purely electrical such as EIS, to multi-displinary setups such as thermal runaway testing.

Responsibilities

  • Create test stand concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists
  • Write automation and analysis software to collect and interpret data from the variety of setups
  • Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly, and data/control systems
  • Operate test stands with great attention to detail as the tests have very little margin for error, making attention to detail crucial and essential
  • Work with REs to fully understand the parameters under which their hardware needs to operate
  • Work closely with and consistently provide feedback to responsible design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and test lab teams to drive innovation in design and infrastructure to increase product reliability

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with electronic hardware development or software development (academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify)
  • 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or Embedded C/C++

Preferred Skills And Experience

  • Electrical circuit design and manufacturing including layout
  • Solid modeling experience with parametric CAD
  • Proficient with programming languages, especially python
  • High attention to detail when designing and operating complex tests
  • A desire to learn about battery cell failure modes

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekend when necessary
  • Ability to lift heavy harnesses and fixtures (~50 lbs)

Compensation And Benefits

Pay range:

Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Itar Requirements

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.
  • 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
  • 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com *.*

Related roles

Common questions

What is the salary for the Development Test Engineer, Battery (Starship Electronics) role at SpaceX?

The listed annual base salary range is $100K–$115K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Where is the Development Test Engineer, Battery (Starship Electronics) role at SpaceX based?

This role is based in Hawthorne, CA.

What degree is required for the Development Test Engineer, Battery (Starship Electronics) role at SpaceX?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Development Test Engineer, Battery (Starship Electronics) role require?

The posting calls for at least 1 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Development Test Engineer, Battery (Starship Electronics) role work with?

battery cell failure modes.

What techniques or methods are required for this Development Test Engineer, Battery (Starship Electronics) role?

EIS.