Build Engineer, Starship Stage 0

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Mississippi; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Build Engineer for the Starship Stage 0 project, which aims to revolutionize launch operations. This role involves designing tooling and processes for the construction of launch pad components, ensuring efficient integration and testing. You will collaborate with analysts and design teams to develop production procedures and manage transitions from development to production. Ideal candidates will have a strong mechanical engineering background, hands-on experience with mechanical systems, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments. Join a team that is pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering and making history in space travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required, preferably mechanical or aerospace.
• Hands-on project experience with mechanical systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop production procedures and manage transitions from development to production.
• Coordinate testing of systems and tooling to meet hardware deadlines.
• Create original CAD models for tooling components.

Skills

Mechanical Systems

Design for Manufacturability

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Fluid Dynamics

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Unigraphics NX

Teamcenter CAD

Finite Element Analysis Software

Job description

BUILD ENGINEER, STARSHIP STAGE 0

Starship Stage 0 (comprised of the launch mount and catch tower) will redefine ground support systems for launch vehicles as we know them, with the ultimate goal of launching, catching, and relaunching orbital boosters in hours or days instead of weeks or months. The Build Engineer role covers design for manufacturability concepts through integration and testing of these critical launch pad components. You will be highly engaged on the primary and secondary structures of the launch mount and tower, including designing tooling (assembly aides, welding, part fixturing, etc.) and processes (welding, large part movement, large structure integration) to rapidly build early versions of the tower and launch mount. Further along in the build you will be responsible for items such as integration operations sequencing and working with technicians on installing flight-critical hardware on the tower and launch mount. Throughout the build, you will be responsible for documenting processes and driving continual improvement to them for future builds. Furthermore, Launch Engineers will be expected to sometimes act as de facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for tower design as well as the manufacturing processes
• Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to production
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
• Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
• Create and maintain build schedules
• Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication and assembly)
• Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
• Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
• Source, retain and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• Hands-on project experience with mechanical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to work at elevated heights up to 500 feet
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Flexibility to travel to other SpaceX sites (less than 25%)