Mechanical Engineer (Starship Avionics)

The Starship team supports the mission to revolutionize orbital flight and space travel, opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Our team builds some of the most advanced electronics ever flown in space, at a cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry. Specifically, the Starship avionics team is responsible for designing a Starship avionics system that is optimized for high reliability at a low mass and cost.

• →Design custom instrumentation for extreme thermal, dynamic and pressure environments
• →Design integrated product solutions for fluid and electro-mechanical assemblies
• →Participate in the manufacturing line, being hands on with processes including pressure testing, thermal testing, laser welding and more
• →Perform thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis for mechanical assemblies using both hand calculations and finite element analysis
• →Participate in initial mechanical design, 3D modeling, creation of production drawings and maintenance of design data
• →Conduct failure analysis of components as it relates to thermal, loads, vibration and shock
• →Interface with machine shops and production teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals
• →Lead design reviews internally and participate in reviews with suppliers and partners

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or electrical engineering
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis (internships and student project experience qualifies)

• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• Proficient and frequent use of hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD)
• Exposure to high volume production designs with a focus on design for manufacturability
• Exposure to designing for high vibration environments and high pressure environments
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes
• Working knowledge of thermal and structural FEA studies
• Experience with fatigue and thermal testing of electro-mechanical assemblies
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones

• 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.