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, TOWER/LAUNCH AND TEST
SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. As a mechanical and/or fluids engineer on the starship launch pad and test site, you will support the development of SpaceX's Starship Tower, Launch Mount, and test stands, part of a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Engineers in this role are responsible for hardware development from initial system architecting through the design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, activation, and operational phases. Mechanical engineers design welded structures, large-scale mechanisms, electromechanical & fluid power actuation systems, and fluid systems, including hydraulic and cryogenic. These systems are involved with performing proof and static fire testing of individual Starship stages, stacking the vehicle on the launch pad, loading propellant before launch, releasing fluid and structural connections at T-0, catching both stages when they return to the launch site, and configuring the vehicles to a safe state post-catch so they can be rapidly reflown. The Starship program is focused on rapid iteration and improvement, which enables engineers to continuously innovate and advance technology throughout the life of the program. The overarching goal of the launch mount team is to get to a ZERO refurbishment state where the pad can launch one vehicle and immediately be ready to launch again.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Drive hardware development for systems within the Starship tower, launch mount and test stands from basic architecture through design, analysis, scheduling, manufacturing, activation, and operational phases
- Own design and manufacturing of mechanisms, actuation systems, fluid systems, and large structures
- Perform structural, dynamic, thermal, and fluids analysis as necessary to determine requirements and to optimize the design of these systems
- Work closely with software and operation engineers to develop the concept of operations for launch mount systems with the goal of developing robust, fault tolerant systems and software that perform every time in the varying extreme conditions of a launch environment
- Collaborate with engineers designing the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles to determine how the tower, launch mount, and vehicle can work together most effectively
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages
- 1+ years of experience with mechanical or fluid systems design, analysis, and hands-on assembly (internship or project team experience qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
- 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
- 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a lead
- Solid understanding and application of GD&T and manufacturing techniques
- Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems and weldments
- Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Tower and launch mount hardware is typically built in tight quarters at high elevations, and physical dexterity is required
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
- 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 [contact via apply link].