Elise Talley
Long Beach
Summary
I'm a results-driven Integration and Test Specialist with proven ability in problem-solving and project management. I've successfully led complex integration processes, ensuring on-time release of critical components while enhancing safety and efficiency. My attention to detail and enthusiasm for learning new things is apparent and has made me a favored candidate for unique projects.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Contractor
SpaceX
Hawthorne
08.2025 - Current
- Was requested by a Principal Prop RE to do SpaceX contractor work under them for several months.
- Worked on brand new builds with over constrained systems, which are typically problematic - had to work at the level of an RE to figure out which degrees of freedom were available to make a solution work on a tight timeline with limited support due to a small team.
- Became the pain POC for building and hydrotesting large high-pressure valves - and my repeatability with this was crucial to solving a unique actuator-driven leakage problem, exonerating the valves which would have been very painful to R&R on assembly.
- Worked with the Dragon Prop R&D Supervisor to design and build pressure testing panels off of provided schematics, where he taught me how to cut, bend, and hand-flare tubes of various sizes and materials, as well as introducing me to using swagelok fittings and PTFE tubes where appropriate.
Senior Integration and Test Specialist - Final
SpaceX
Hawthorne
01.2023 - Current
- Ensured on-time release of both Prop/Avi and Final Integration EMs, even with large planning updates such as the block 5.5 avionics upgrade and the incorporation of the new Landing Leg Pneumatic Leveling system.
- Hosted transfer reviews and became the main contact point for Texas as a Final Integration owner.
- Applied Elon's algorithm by descoping LOx dome and Primary Raceway AR walkdowns, and MVAC skirt support laser tracking.
- Supported the Cape Canaveral payload team with One Web 2 integration planning prior to a successful launch.
- Became a Vehicle Controller for Stage 1 checkouts, and performed Shipping Proof OPs for all boosters during Final ownership. Mentored new team members on becoming a VC, and updated several autosequences to fix errors or improve automation efficiency.
- Rolled out Guide to the Galaxy use on Stage 1 to reduce issue ticket burden on the engineering team.
- Managed several OSHA related safety improvements by designing and implementing foam covers for the QDs that can be used during checkouts, and implemeted hytorc tooling for skirt fasteners to eliminate several high torque value torques.
- 3D printed several various production shop aids.
- Designed and tested a tool to use for Booster ACS testing that would yield better visual indications of thruster firing. Managed drawing releases, utilized SpaceX in-house resources to fabricate the tool, performed hand-calcs to ensure the fasteners mounting the tool could withstand testing pressures, and oversaw boom box testing.
Integration and Test Specialist - Prop/AVI
SpaceX
Hawthorne
04.2021 - 10.2022
- Took on ownership of the Prop+AVI scope after 3 months in the Specialist role, dispositioning a variety of issues and driving EM updates, including overhauling Prop+AVI planning on 1071 to allow for use of a test interstage when the flight interstage was unexpectedly scrapped, and updating planning for new booster configurations (FHCC and F9H).
- Worked with RE's and downstream workcenters to drive updated designs, including but not limited to; identifying a design interference on an aero ramp TPS component, identified a containment on a raceway bracket that had recurring fit-up issues with prop lines, worked out a creative solution for 1071’s test interstage for replacing a hardline jumper on the interstage with a flex hose setup to ensure checkouts could be performed as intended (made this a nominal process for test interstages).
- Self-taught on creating interactive models that can be added to WO instructions to aid in AVI routing instructions.
- Pushed many improvements across the S1 integration scope, including working with AVI REs to ensure major harnessing and avionics changes were managed appropriately and efficiently to limit disruptions in production, working with the interstage team to eliminate duplicate leak checks from stage checkouts, and standardizing the primary raceway photo closeout process.
- Was the main POC for several significant repair issues, including but not limited to; cutting and re-welding a fully integrated cold helium manifold line inside the LOx tank and performing delta pressurized checkouts, and self-taught how to perform/write planning for a scarf repair on composite components after a tool was dropped on the Interstage.
- Developed tech training materials to accelerate tech onboarding and proactively prevent workmanship issues.
- Implemented solution for sharp drain plugs on engine nozzles (safety concern) to prevent employees from being injured while working around them.
- Participated in pedigree reviews for government customers.
- Scrubbed Stage 1 pressurized ops and drove updates to improve safety and reliability of these operations.
Integration Technician - Dragon Subassemblies
SpaceX
Hawthorne
01.2020 - 04.2021
- Worked with engineering to become the first technician on the team to receive the mech tester validation PQ and pressure testing PQ - this process previously only performed by test automation or Test Specialists.Involved with System Level ATP testing on the C209 Docking System with Engineering an Test automation teams.
- Involved with System Level ATP testing on the C209 Docking System with Engineering an Test automation teams.
- Took on TXSW training, troubleshooting Dyno and Borg data for GH1 and GH3 motors, providing great feedback to Engineering on harness routing and integration builds for Docking System, while also conducting the day to day tasks of FOD control, 5S walkdowns and work center upkeep
Education
High School Diploma -
Skyline High School
Salt Lake City, UT04-2015
Skills
- Technical documentation
- Component troubleshooting
- Project coordination
- Safety compliance
- Quality assurance
- Interactive modeling
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Contractor
SpaceX
08.2025 - Current
Senior Integration and Test Specialist - Final
SpaceX
01.2023 - Current
Integration and Test Specialist - Prop/AVI
SpaceX
04.2021 - 10.2022
Integration Technician - Dragon Subassemblies
SpaceX
01.2020 - 04.2021
High School Diploma -
Skyline High School