Sr. NDE Engineer, Radiography Testing
SpaceXHawthorne, CA$130k – $180kPosted 13 April 2026
Tech Stack
Job Description
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.
NDE ENGINEER, RADIOGRAPHY TESTING
This Sr. NDE Engineer position sits within the NDE Engineering organization. You will be required to interface across multiple business groups to develop and support state-of-the-art inspection solutions and advanced data analysis to deliver manufacturing process improvements to ensure flight reliability of the vehicle.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and deliver advanced nondestructive evaluation inspection solutions
Design, prototype, and implement nondestructive sensor systems to solve manufacturing quality problems
Interface with vehicle engineering across all programs to align on inspection requirements and capabilities, feasibility, designing parts for inspectability, inspection method selection, interpretation and evaluation of data
Prototype early inspection development and bench-top validation to reduce risk for new technologies
Interface with vendors, tooling and automation groups to define requirements, manage projects through to delivery
Support targets and goals such as nondestructive automation initiatives, increased probability of detection, reduced cycle time, right first-time manufacture/assembly, and indication/defect reduction
Develop technology in emerging nondestructive methodologies
Support NDE specialists with development, qualification and deployment of new inspection processes (gauge RR, PODs) including documentation and training
Be able to present risk/performance analysis and recommendations to cross-functional teams including executives
Manage priorities and support a host of projects simultaneously
Define integration test plans for hardware products or software features with integration milestones that align with the program timeline
Drive cross-functional nondestructive design and analysis discussions with electrical, software, manufacturing, and vehicle design teams
Develop data collection and analysis pipeline at all stages of the project
Understand and debug hardware and software interactions during design, launch, and deployment
Use field data to improve design and performance of NDE systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, physics, or computer science
6+ years of hands-on technical engineering experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline
Experience in Digital Radiography and automated solutions
Knowledge of a variety of NDE techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, radiography, etc
Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and mathematical optimization
Understanding of hardware and software development and validation process
Familiarity with JIRA or similar task/feature tracking systems
Knowledge of automation, including robotics
Experience with software and automation coding (Labview, Python, C#, SQL)
Ability to multitask, from developing technologies, project management, and training people throughout the introduction of multiple productive solutions, from inception and RD to full-volume production
Experience with problem solving tools and techniques: Practical Problem Solving, 8D etc
ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS:
NAS-410 Level III in Radiography certificate
Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary
Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts)
Ability to pass Space Force / Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
Ability to travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed (up to 25%)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range: Sr. NDE Engineer/: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis a ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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