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. INTERNSHIP/CO-OP SUMMER 2018 (MCGREGOR) SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for our Internship/Co-Op Program at our McGregor, TX location. SpaceX engineering interns play a significant role in the design, development, testing and manufacturing of spaceflight hardware. Here at SpaceX, you will obtain invaluable hands-on technical experience that you can’t learn in a classroom. Our engineering team will help you to roll up your sleeves and apply text book theory and lab experience to creating solutions for real aerospace challenges. You will gain practical experience by participating in actual space hardware development projects. The most successful candidates for SpaceX’s Internship/Co-Op Program have a history of significant contributions to hands-on extracurricular engineering projects in addition to a strong academic record. SITE OVERVIEW: SpaceX tests its engines and structures at a 4,000-acre state-of-the-art rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas. Every Merlin engine that powers the Falcon 9 rocket and every Draco thruster that controls the Dragon spacecraft is tested on one of 11 test stands. The Falcon 9 first stage is tested with all nine Merlin engines firing at 1.71 million pounds of thrust for up to three minutes—the same as actual flight duration. In addition, the facility is home to a dual Merlin test stand consisting of two independent engine testing bays, allowing SpaceX to test up to 400 Merlin engines a year. Established in 2003, the site now averages two tests per day. GROUPS/DEPARTMENTS: DRAGON TEST: The Dragon Test department is responsible for all acceptance and qualification testing for the Draco and Super Draco engines, as well as hypergolic fuels. The department also leads post-mission Dragon vehicle disassembly and decontamination.  RAPTOR TEST: The Raptor Test department is responsible for designing, building, and activating the test stand used for the developmental Raptor engine. F9 STAGE TEST: The F9 Stage Test department is responsible for planning and executing full stage testing of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Test Equipment Engineers support this effort through fluids system design, structural analysis and ground propellant operation.  TEST DEVELOPMENT: Texas Test Development: The Texas Test Development team is responsible for unplanned, unusual, or reactionary equipment design and testing activities. The goal of this team is to remain flexible and adaptive to company priorities while allowing most test teams to stay focused on their mission. The team is also responsible for test equipment used in the testing of 2nd stages and for developing business processes used by the engineering and fabrication teams. F9 ENGINE & COMPONENT TEST: The F9 Engine & Component Test team is responsible for ensuring maximum product quality by testing our hardware to its limits in as close to flight like conditions as possible. Hardware tests range from components to 1st stage Merlin and 2nd stage MVAC engines. This department is also responsible for integrating the engine to the second stage of Falcon 9. Testing efforts are supported through proper design, maintenance and operations of all ground support equipment.  TEST SOFTWARE: The Test Software team develops and maintains the applications used for testing propulsion, structural, and component-level systems. Our deployments are active 24/7 and must operate with minimal downtime, maximum fault tolerance, and near constant user interaction. As an intern, you will have an opportunity to work on the following products: high performance code running next to test critical hardware, front end GUIs our engineers manipulate during testing, continuous integration frameworks for rapid code delivery and release, and other developmental projects. Since we utilize a variety of programming languages (LabVIEW, Python, C++, etc), you will be expected to adopt whatever language is required for the application. TEST FABRICATION & SUPPORT: This department supports all site needs including new test stand construction, infrastructure modification and repair, supply chain management, and crane operations. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: The IT team handles all servers, end points, digital signage and networking. The team proactively monitors all critical systems and develops contingency plans in case of system failures that can halt or interrupt test operations. The team also monitors network congestion to ensure data is flowing back to control rooms and SpaceX headquarters, Borg data or NX Witness video data. All of these efforts allow the Rocket Development Facility to prepare for tests faster and conduct tests more frequently. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be currently enrolled at an accredited four-year university or college
• Business Operations or Software applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited university or college or within 6 month post-graduation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Hands-on experience through a project team, prior internship or work experience
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
• Intermediate skill level using Windows Operations Systems
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work full time for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in May/June 2018
• Must pass background check with satisfactory results to SpaceX
• Must be able to provide own transportation to access SpaceX’s Rocket Development Facility
• Certain positions also require the following:
• General physical fitness; flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 30 lbs.)
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors and noise
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant 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 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.