SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Mechanical Engineer, Design (Starship Components)
SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, Hawthorne, California, United States, 90250
Overview
Mechanical Engineer, Design (Starship Components) – Hawthorne, CA 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, DESIGN (STARSHIP COMPONENTS) The Starship Components team develops the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our engineers are hardware experts for valves, regulators, electromechanical actuators, pumps, and explosives that drive critical capabilities on the Starship/Super Heavy vehicle. We design, machine, build, and test components to operate in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 800K, pressures beyond 800 bar, and life capability of >100 flights. As a Mechanical Engineer, Design (Starship Components), you will own the relationship between our vehicle hardware/systems teams and manufacturing teams while spearheading your own projects, utilizing your skills in analysis, development testing, and mechanical design. You will contribute to vehicle architecture trades and take a lead role in design and flight readiness on Starship. Responsibilities
Develop innovative, manufacturable flow control devices (valves, regulators, pumps, solenoids) and mechanisms (flap/fin actuators, destruct charges) across Starship and Super Heavy stage systems Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries Act as the chief engineer, collaborating with stage, avionics, and flight safety teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the vehicle Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit Assemble design criteria, select an architecture, size the component for proper force margin, perform structural analysis, generate detailed part drawings, perform qualification testing, present design reviews, and monitor hardware performance in vehicle operations Target zero in-flight anomalies of your hardware and reduce component-caused delays in production and launch. Lead root cause investigations in the factory and on the vehicle, and implement fixes to prevent repeat failures Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline 1+ years of hands-on manufacturing, testing, or design experience (internships and project teams qualify) Preferred Skills and Experience
Leadership or mentorship experience and the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts across all disciplines and levels 1+ years of professional experience in manufacturing, testing, design, or machining of mechanical systems Hands-on experience from industry or collegiate vehicle/robotics competitions in fluid systems, high voltage systems, electronics, explosives, or instrumentation Strong foundation in solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, electrical circuits, manufacturing processes, dynamics and controls, heat transfer, and thermodynamics Ability to analyze complex engineering datasets to extract trends or failure modes Understanding of electro-mechanical devices, gear trains, actuators, motors, valves, pumps, regulators, filters, and explosives Proficient in drawings (GD&T), CNC operation/programming, inspection methods Experience in ANSYS or impact/explosion analysis (LSDYNA, BlastX, CHEETAH, Hydrocode) Willingness to obtain ATF explosives clearance or handle high explosive devices Experience in software development in SQL or Python Additional Requirements
Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed Able to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed Compensation and Benefits
Pay range: Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year; Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is part of a total rewards package including potential long-term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and a 401(k). Benefits include medical, vision, dental, life insurance, disability, paid parental leave, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave in accordance with Company policy. Equal Opportunity
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation or wishing to view SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan should contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
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Mechanical Engineer, Design (Starship Components) – Hawthorne, CA 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, DESIGN (STARSHIP COMPONENTS) The Starship Components team develops the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our engineers are hardware experts for valves, regulators, electromechanical actuators, pumps, and explosives that drive critical capabilities on the Starship/Super Heavy vehicle. We design, machine, build, and test components to operate in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 800K, pressures beyond 800 bar, and life capability of >100 flights. As a Mechanical Engineer, Design (Starship Components), you will own the relationship between our vehicle hardware/systems teams and manufacturing teams while spearheading your own projects, utilizing your skills in analysis, development testing, and mechanical design. You will contribute to vehicle architecture trades and take a lead role in design and flight readiness on Starship. Responsibilities
Develop innovative, manufacturable flow control devices (valves, regulators, pumps, solenoids) and mechanisms (flap/fin actuators, destruct charges) across Starship and Super Heavy stage systems Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries Act as the chief engineer, collaborating with stage, avionics, and flight safety teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the vehicle Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit Assemble design criteria, select an architecture, size the component for proper force margin, perform structural analysis, generate detailed part drawings, perform qualification testing, present design reviews, and monitor hardware performance in vehicle operations Target zero in-flight anomalies of your hardware and reduce component-caused delays in production and launch. Lead root cause investigations in the factory and on the vehicle, and implement fixes to prevent repeat failures Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline 1+ years of hands-on manufacturing, testing, or design experience (internships and project teams qualify) Preferred Skills and Experience
Leadership or mentorship experience and the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts across all disciplines and levels 1+ years of professional experience in manufacturing, testing, design, or machining of mechanical systems Hands-on experience from industry or collegiate vehicle/robotics competitions in fluid systems, high voltage systems, electronics, explosives, or instrumentation Strong foundation in solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, electrical circuits, manufacturing processes, dynamics and controls, heat transfer, and thermodynamics Ability to analyze complex engineering datasets to extract trends or failure modes Understanding of electro-mechanical devices, gear trains, actuators, motors, valves, pumps, regulators, filters, and explosives Proficient in drawings (GD&T), CNC operation/programming, inspection methods Experience in ANSYS or impact/explosion analysis (LSDYNA, BlastX, CHEETAH, Hydrocode) Willingness to obtain ATF explosives clearance or handle high explosive devices Experience in software development in SQL or Python Additional Requirements
Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed Able to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed Compensation and Benefits
Pay range: Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year; Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is part of a total rewards package including potential long-term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and a 401(k). Benefits include medical, vision, dental, life insurance, disability, paid parental leave, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave in accordance with Company policy. Equal Opportunity
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation or wishing to view SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan should contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
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