Mechanical Engineer (Starship Infrastructure)

Our elite Starbase team is working on the toughest and most audacious project on our planet; making humanity multiplanetary. This challenge isn’t for everyone – the working conditions can be hard on a desolate beach at the southernmost tip of the state – but hardcore projects require hardcore people.

This engineer will support the team responsible for building and upgrading facilities and GSE to develop a high-volume rocket factory. If you are a high performing engineer, want to immerse yourself in never-before-solved challenges, and are excited to put in the effort to make this goal a reality, we want to hear from you.

• →Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• →Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
• →Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs
• →Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
• →Negotiate complex trade studies to optimize for cost, schedule, safety, and performance, among other considerations
• →Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation
• →Source, retain and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective
• →Troubleshoot mechanical system problems, formulate maintenance protocols, service schedules, and coordinate material procurement for machinery upkeep
• →Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
• →Collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to design, optimize, and maintain mechanical systems
• →Oversee equipment installation, operation, and maintenance to meet specified parameters
• →Solve technical and emergent issues
• →Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 1+ years of mechanical and/or fluids engineering experience via project team, research, internship, and/or professional experience

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 2+ years hands-on project experience with complex fluid or mechanical based production systems in a professional setting, preferably as a lead
• 3+ years of professional experience in design and analysis
• 2+ years of manufacturing design experience
• 2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering
• 2+ years of experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
• Experience with large steel structure construction (civil, naval, or mechanical)
• Experience designing and/or operating pressurized systems (cryogenic, hydraulic, compressed gases)
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including basic structures calculations and design considerations
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
• Process development, facility and line layouts, error-proofing
• Experience with Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems
• Detailed knowledge of Siemens NC or similar CAD and PLM packages
• Prior experience with developing, maintaining and improving welding processes
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

• Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Remain focused while working in hazardous environments, while wearing appropriate PPE
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

• 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 [email protected].