Mechanical Designer (HVAC)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Designer (HVAC) in Hawthorne, CA. You will own fluid and HVAC components across our facilities, perform CAD modeling, and conduct fluid analyses to ensure robust, manufacturable designs for space infrastructure.

You will collaborate with production, avionics, and other SpaceX programs to meet stringent requirements and enable efficient transitions to manufacturing. An engineering degree and hands-on experience with fluid handling are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 1+ years in fluids components (valves, pumps, COPVs, compressors, heat exchangers, sensors).
• Master's degree preferred for advanced design work.

Responsibilities

• Own and design fluid/HVAC components across campus, including compressors, heat exchangers, pumps and valves.
• Perform CAD modeling and design for fluid systems.
• Conduct fluid analyses for pressure balance and component capability.
• Collaborate with production, avionics, and other SpaceX programs to meet requirements.
• Ensure manufacturability and reliable transition to production processes.

Skills

HVAC design

Fluid systems

CAD modeling

Pumps & valves

NX CAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

NX CAD

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 DESIGNER (HVAC)

As a member of the construction and infrastructure team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world’s most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. You will be the subject matter expert on all HVAC, compressed air, piping, dust collection and other critical fluid systems at HQ. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. This role involves design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of fluids system elements. You will work with other construction engineers, architects and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for owning and being the subject matter expert on fluid/HVAC components across campus – compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, valves and dust collection systems.
• Perform CAD modeling and design of these systems.
• Perform fluid analyses for pressure balance, component design allowable, and consumables determination.
• Work with interdisciplinary customers to ensure the component will meet the requirements of production, avionics, GNC, mission operations and other SpaceX programs.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable; work with the production team to ensure a smooth transition to a reliable manufacturing process that has minimal design engineering sustainment engineering required.
• Material selection, sizing and procurement support.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional experience working with various fluids components such as valves, pumps, COPVs, compressors, heat exchangers, pressure transducers, or temperature sensors.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Hands-on experience with fluid (liquid and/or gas) handling systems.
• Experience using data acquisition equipment, as well as test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays.
• Experience with HVAC systems and air ducting.
• Experienced in NX or other CAD packages with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994 and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience with structural analysis methods in order to optimize hardware to strength requirements as well as to evaluate for life and fracture.
• Experience with pressurized structures and/or lightweight aerospace structures.
• Ability to work independently.

Additional Requirements

• Willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

Compensation And Benefits

Pay range:

Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year

Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00/per year

• 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.
• You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 Affiant or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].