Mechanical Design Engineer (Falcon)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join the Falcon team, tackling the challenges of space exploration. In this role, you will design and analyze structures and fluid systems for reusable launch vehicles, contributing to missions that extend humanity's reach beyond Earth. You will collaborate closely with senior leadership and engage in a dynamic environment where innovative ideas shape the future of aerospace technology. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to make a significant impact in the aerospace field, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Long-term incentives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required, master's preferred.
• Experience with CAD/FEA software and hands-on hardware experience.

Responsibilities

• Own design of structures and fluid systems for Falcon vehicles.
• Lead design reviews and ensure hardware meets requirements.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Technical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD Software

FEA Software

NX/Teamcenter

Python

Matlab

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (FALCON)

The Falcon team tackles space exploration’s toughest problems through the ongoing development of our reusable launch vehicles, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. These vehicles are currently responsible for delivering commercial, national security, and NASA satellites into orbit, as well as vital cargo and science payloads to the ISS. In addition, Falcon sent the first astronauts to the ISS on an American-made rockets since the retirement of the Space Shuttle and launched the world's first all-civilian orbital mission. These vehicles are instrumental in extending humanity’s reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

As a Falcon mechanical engineer, you will spearhead the design of numerous structures, fluid systems, and components that must withstand extreme loads and the harsh environment of space. You will own hardware through the product life cycle and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases. You are especially strong in analysis and employ a ground-up, fundamental physics approach to problem solving. You have strong technical and interpersonal skills and you thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change company-level direction on a regular basis.

You do not need to meet 100% of the preferred qualifications to be considered. We encourage anyone who meets the basic qualifications and is interested in the role to apply – we are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people to join our team, and want the opportunity to talk to you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Full ownership of primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and/or fluid systems for our Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.
• Use hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds internal and customer requirements.
• Lead design reviews and hardware qualifications.
• Serve as technical interface with suppliers and customers.
• Own the hardware delivery timeline and success through inception, design, assembly, launch and re-use.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting).
• Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with NX/Teamcenter designing parts and assemblies.
• Experience with at least one commercial FEA or multiphysics simulation package (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, CFD codes, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.).
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, Excel, etc.).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs.
• Willingness to travel in support of hardware test and launch.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Mechanical Design Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Mechanical Design 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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.

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.