# Principal Test Engineer, Compute Payload (Starmind) at SpaceX

- Company: SpaceX
- What the company does: SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. Backed by Kleiner Perkins, a16z and Founders Fund.
- Company website: https://www.spacex.com/
- Type: Startups
- Level: Principal and up
- Location: Bastrop, TX
- Work setup: On-site
- Posted: 2026-10-21
- Apply by: 2026-12-05
- Apply: https://boards.greenhouse.io/spacex/jobs/8905802002?gh_jid=8905802002&utm_source=1752vc&utm_medium=careers
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/spacex-principal-test-engineer-compute-payload-starmind/

## About the role

As a Principal Test Engineer on the Starmind Compute Payload team, you’ll have ownership over the system which validates the hardware that enables advanced on-orbit AI processing and data center workloads. You will dive into technical details, drive architecture and design trades, mentor engineers, and build the team’s technical bar. Beyond test & automation design, you will analyze, validate, and troubleshoot power and fluid systems for test; define processes; design fixtures and tools. Found on 1752vc Careers, the job board for startup and VC roles.

## What they're looking for

- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing or test environment demonstrating automation control accomplishments via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs
- Ability to travel for short and extended trips as needed - up to 15% travel
- This position is very hands-on and requires one to be on their feet for extended periods of time, up to 4 hours at a time

Tags: Supercompute Rack Production

Source: 1752vc Careers, https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/spacex-principal-test-engineer-compute-payload-starmind/