Mechanical Designer, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad)

Spacex; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dormont Manufacturing Co is looking for a Mechanical Designer to work on the Starship Launch Pad project, focusing on control systems and automation.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant experience, along with strong CAD modeling skills in software such as NX, SolidWorks, or Catia. Responsibilities include drafting electrical schematics and conducting structural analyses to ensure system integrity.

The position requires the ability to work extended hours and meet physical demands associated with the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of experience in mechanical, fluids, or electrical systems design.
• Experience in fast-paced iterative design and manufacturing environments.
• Capability to safely work at heights and in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation engineers.
• Create CAD models and drawings of conduits and control panels.
• Perform structural analysis to ensure designs are robust.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving

Knowledge of NEC and NFPA codes

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering discipline

Tools

NX/Unigraphics

SolidWorks

EPlan

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

MECHANICAL DESIGNER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls designers to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between system architecture and build – that is, developing electrical schematics, sizing conveyances, interfacing with fluids and mechanical components, detailed design of conduits and bracketry, and design of control panels. These systems will be involved in interfacing with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catching both stages, and reaching a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches.

RESPONSIBILITES:

• Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers who architect the systems
• Perform conduit fill calculations and initial sizing of conveyances
• Create CAD models and drawings of conduits, control panels, bracketry, and related access provisions
• Perform basic structural analysis and use best practices to ensure designs are sufficiently robust for the challenging environment of the launch pad
• Translate designs into planning as the basis for install in the field
• Documentation of designs as well as best practices

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline; or 2+ years of professional experience in designing mechanical, fluids, or electrical systems in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience modeling with 3D CAD software (e.g. NX/Unigraphics, Catia, SolidWorks, Fusion 360)
• Familiarity with design of weldments and sheet metal structures
• Experience using EPlan
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79 codes
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
• Capable of solving problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
• Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 Affiative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].