Launch Engineer, Mechanical/Fluids (Starship Launch Pad)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company at the forefront of space technology as a Launch Engineer specializing in mechanical and fluid systems for the Starship launch pad. This exciting role involves driving hardware development from initial design through to operational phases, ensuring systems are robust and fault-tolerant for extreme launch conditions. You will collaborate with talented engineers to innovate and improve technology, contributing to the goal of making space travel accessible. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Short & long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Access to discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline required.

Responsibilities

• Drive hardware development for systems within the Starship tower and launch mount.
• Collaborate with engineers to optimize design and functionality.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Fluid Systems Design

CAD Software

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

GD&T

Structural Analysis

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD Software

FEA Software

Job description

LAUNCH ENGINEER, MECHANICAL/FLUIDS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. As a mechanical and/or fluids engineer on the starship launch pad, you will support the development of SpaceX's Starship Tower and Launch Mount, part of a fully reusable transportation system designed to launch both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Engineers in this role are responsible for hardware development from initial system architecting through the design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, activation, and operational phases. Mechanical engineers design welded structures, large-scale mechanisms, electromechanical & fluid power actuation systems, and fluid systems, including hydraulic and cryogenic. These systems are involved with stacking the first stage of Starship, supporting the first stage or the full stack in high winds, loading propellant prior to launch, releasing the vehicle at T-0, and protecting themselves from plume during flyout to be able to support another launch as fast as possible. The Starship program is focused on rapid iteration and improvement, which enables engineers to continuously innovate and advance technology throughout the life of the program. The overarching goal of the launch mount team is to get to a ZERO refurbishment state where the pad can launch one vehicle and immediately be ready to launch again.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive hardware development for systems within the Starship tower and launch mount from basic architecture through design, analysis, scheduling, manufacturing, activation, and operational phases
• Own design and manufacturing of mechanisms, actuation systems, fluid systems, and large structures
• Perform structural, dynamic, thermal, and fluids analysis as necessary to determine requirements and to optimize the design of these systems
• Work closely with software and operation engineers to develop the concept of operations for launch mount systems with the goal of developing robust, fault-tolerant systems and software that perform every time in the varying extreme conditions of a launch environment
• Collaborate with engineers designing the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles to determine how the tower, launch mount, and vehicle can work together most effectively

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical or fluid systems design, analysis, and hands-on assembly (internship or project team experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a lead
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T and manufacturing techniques
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems and weldments
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Tower and launch mount hardware is typically built in tight quarters at high elevations, and physical dexterity is required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Mechanical Engineer/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 the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.