Design Engineer, Turbomachinery (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Design Engineer to lead the mechanical and structural design of turbomachinery components for a groundbreaking propulsion system. This role involves creating detailed 3D models, conducting structural analyses, and ensuring reliable performance under extreme conditions. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and test advanced turbopumps, driving the development of the next generation of space vehicles. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to contribute to revolutionary projects, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in mechanical design and structural analysis required.
• Professional experience with 3D CAD modeling and GD&T is essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to develop designs for propulsion system turbomachinery.
• Perform structural analysis and ensure designs meet operational requirements.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Structural Analysis

3D CAD Modeling

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Thermodynamics

Nonlinear FEA

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Job description

DESIGN ENGINEER, TURBOMACHINERY (STARSHIP)

This role is responsible for the overall mechanical and structural design of turbomachinery components and assemblies for Starship propulsion systems. The turbomachinery designer will create detailed 3D models and conduct structural analysis to ensure all components perform reliably under extreme operating conditions. Responsibilities include modeling turbomachinery components, executing detailed mechanical designs with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), conducting structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and assembly process. As the turbomachinery design engineer, you will have full ownership of the design for turbomachinery components on Starship!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of turbomachinery and manufacturing engineers, driving the rapid development and execution of designs for Starship's propulsion system turbomachinery
• Design, build, and test turbopumps for Starship, the most advanced orbital vehicle propulsion system ever designed
• Perform structural analysis on the components level and as assembled - this includes thermal deformation required for stack-up analysis during all phases of the operation
• Develop and train teammates to support empowered product ownership by utilizing risk-conscious decision-making skills under pressure
• Interface with our world-class production team to ensure that your team’s designs are successfully translated into the fleet of rockets that is revolutionizing access to space
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challenges

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and structural analysis
• Professional experience with 3D CAD modeling, GD&T, manufacturing process and machine setup

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to enthusiastically accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
• 2+ years of experience in structural analysis with ANSYS package. Professional experience in ruing nonlinear FEA and fracture analysis is a plus
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
• Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
• Good understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, structural design in demanding environments, and/or materials

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility required
• Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)