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 ENGINEER (STARSHIP INFRASTRUCTURE)
Our elite Starbase team is working on the toughest and most audacious project on our planet; making humanity multiplanetary. This challenge isn’t for everyone – the working conditions can be hard on a desolate beach at the southernmost tip of the state – but hardcore projects require hardcore people.
This engineer will support the team responsible for building and upgrading facilities and GSE to develop a high-volume rocket factory. If you are a high performing engineer, want to immerse yourself in never-before-solved challenges, and are excited to put in the effort to make this goal a reality, we want to hear from you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
- Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
- Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs
- Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
- Negotiate complex trade studies to optimize for cost, schedule, safety, and performance, among other considerations
- Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation
- Source, retain and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective
- Troubleshoot mechanical system problems, formulate maintenance protocols, service schedules, and coordinate material procurement for machinery upkeep
- Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
- Collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to design, optimize, and maintain mechanical systems
- Oversee equipment installation, operation, and maintenance to meet specified parameters
- Solve technical and emergent issues
- Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
- 1+ years of mechanical and/or fluids engineering experience via project team, research, internship, and/or professional experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
- 2+ years hands-on project experience with complex fluid or mechanical based production systems in a professional setting, preferably as a lead
- 3+ years of professional experience in design and analysis
- 2+ years of manufacturing design experience
- 2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering
- 2+ years of experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts
- Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
- Experience with large steel structure construction (civil, naval, or mechanical)
- Experience designing and/or operating pressurized systems (cryogenic, hydraulic, compressed gases)
- Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including basic structures calculations and design considerations
- Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
- Process development, facility and line layouts, error-proofing
- Experience with Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems
- Detailed knowledge of Siemens NC or similar CAD and PLM packages
- Prior experience with developing, maintaining and improving welding processes
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
- Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Remain focused while working in hazardous environments, while wearing appropriate PPE
- Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
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].
Top Skills
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.
