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. SENSORS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER The Sensor Development team sources or develops innovative sensing solutions that are critical to making life on Mars possible. The Sensors Development Engineer role will review system measurement needs and complete market studies of available technologies to meet these requirements. The Sensors Development Engineer will then oversee the selection process of the optimal sensing technology by architecting tests to verify the capability of a given technology. The Sensors Development Engineer will be responsible for supporting and resolving all technical challenges with the selected physical sensors, such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, accelerometers, heat flux sensors, flow sensors, etc. The Sensors Development Engineer will directly interface with sensor manufacturers. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Select and test sensing solutions that can operate in challenging environments, such as at high vibration levels, high temperatures, and/or high vacuums, etc.
• Troubleshoot problems with acceleration, pressure, acoustic, strain, position and thermal sensors
• Hands-on sensor testing
• Develop innovative test systems for physical sensors such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, accelerometers, heat flux sensors, flow sensors, etc.
• Complete sensor selection/customization, testing, oversee system/vehicle integration, data analysis, and report generation
• Provide design and production guidelines, requirements, and procedures to sensor manufacturers and internal test labs
• Maintain sensor calibration data databases
• Interface with and oversee vendors developing custom sensors
• Conduct flight qualification campaigns of sensors
• Lead interdisciplinary teams

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering
• Hands-on experience with sensors, such as pressure transducers, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, etc.
• Experience with one or more of the following: Python, MATLAB, Excel, SQL, and data acquisition systems, such as NI

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of experience conducting flight or automotive tests with accelerometers, pressure transducers, strain gauges, thermocouples, and RTDs
• Hands-on experience calibrating pressure transducers, accelerometers, thermocouples or similar sensors
• Experience conducting large scale and high channel count field or flight tests
• Experience with structural health monitoring
• Experience completing sensor root cause analysis
• Strong interpersonal skills

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.