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.
SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The Starship Mechanical Engineer based in Boca Chica, TX will support the development of SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship), a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own complex mechanical systems on Starship Booster and Ship through their entire design cycle:
- Drive conceptual design, architecture trades, and first order sizing. Develop design criteria where definition is lacking.
- Balance operational needs across vehicle systems while optimizing for development speed, mass and cost.
- Perform in depth first principles analysis and FEA to assess and optimize designs.
- Incorporate design for manufacturing principles and supervise first article builds.
- Design and execute qualification testing.
- Coordinate of multi-disciplinary teams working on system level vehicle design trades.
- Lead multidisciplinary root cause investigations and component redesigns to improve reliability and/or production rate.
- Extreme ownership of product outcomes for spaceflight hardware.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
- Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
- 5+ years of experience with mechanical, electromechanical, or fluid system design and analysis.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 3+ years of technical project leadership.
- 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
- Demonstrated strength in technical communication, articulating design decisions, and technical mentorship.
- Strong demonstrated capability in design, CAD and FEA.
- Hands-on experience with mechanism design, prototyping, and precision mechanical assembly.
- Experience with design for high volume production with a focus on design for manufacturability.
- Knowledge of and experience in selecting materials, manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for mechanical components.
- Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
- Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.