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.
MECHANICAL DESIGNER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)
The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls designers to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between system architecture and build – that is, developing electrical schematics, sizing conveyances, interfacing with fluids and mechanical components, detailed design of conduits and bracketry, and design of control panels. These systems will be involved in interfacing with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catching both stages, and reaching a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches.
RESPONSIBILITES:
- Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers who architect the systems
- Perform conduit fill calculations and initial sizing of conveyances
- Create CAD models and drawings of conduits, control panels, bracketry, and related access provisions
- Perform basic structural analysis and use best practices to ensure designs are sufficiently robust for the challenging environment of the launch pad
- Translate designs into planning as the basis for install in the field
- Documentation of designs as well as best practices
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline
- 2+ years of professional experience using CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) to design and model mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Familiarity with design of weldments and sheet metal structures
- Experience using EPlan
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79 codes
- Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
- Capable of solving problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
- Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
- Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day
- Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
- Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
- Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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 reach out to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline
- 2+ years of professional experience using CAD tools such as NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar to design and model mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems
- Familiarity with weldment and sheet metal structure design
- Experience using EPlan
- Knowledge of NEC and NFPA 79 codes
- Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas, including Class I Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalents
- Ability to solve problems independently or as part of an integrated team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments
- Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and variable shifts
- Ability to safely work at heights up to 500 feet, in confined spaces, with an air-purifying respirator, and around heavy equipment and machinery
- Must meet ITAR authorization requirements as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible authorization recipient
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
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