MECHANICAL ENGINEER, STARSHIP TOWER
MECHANICAL ENGINEER, STARSHIP TOWER
SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. The Starship Tower Mechanical Engineer will support the development of SpaceX's Starship Tower, part of a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Tower engineers are based at several SpaceX facilities: Hawthorne, CA; Starbase, TX; and Cape Canaveral, FL.
Engineers in this role are responsible for hardware development from initial system architecting through the design, analysis, activation, and operational phases. Mechanical engineers have the opportunity to design a variety of welded structures, large-scale mechanisms, electromechanical actuation systems, and fluid systems including hydraulic and cryogenic. These systems are involved with stacking the two stages of Starship, supporting them in high winds, loading propellant prior to launch, and catching the vehicles at the end of their mission. The Starship program is focused on rapid iteration and improvement, which provides engineers the opportunity to continuously innovate and advance technology throughout the life of the program.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Drive hardware development for systems within the Starship Tower from basic architecture through design, analysis, schedule, manufacture, activation, and operational phases
- Build skills in the design and manufacturing of mechanisms, actuation systems, fluid systems, and large structures
- Work closely with analysts to develop loading requirements and with manufacturing engineers to optimize designs for rapid manufacturability
- Collaborate with engineers designing the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles to determine how the tower and vehicle can work together most effectively
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
- 1+ years of experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, and hands-on assembly (internship or project team experience is applicable)
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
- 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:
- Ability to travel to Starbase, TX and Cape Canaveral, FL up to 25% of the time
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Tower hardware typically is built in tight quarters at high elevations and physical dexterity is required
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.