Mechanical Engineer, Printer Design & Manufacturing (Raptor)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 117,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the Raptor 3D printer team. In this role, you'll develop and scale the printer while directly collaborating with production and design teams.

The ideal candidate has experience in mechanical design and a Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM discipline. Responsibilities include training technicians and refining production processes. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage and stock options, is available.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in mechanical engineering projects or internships.
• Experience with laser tracking equipment and software.
• Ability to interpret blueprints using GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Refine production systems for efficiency and quality.
• Develop training programs for technicians.
• Own design and implementation of production equipment.

Skills

Engineering principles

Problem-solving

Communication

CAD software

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline

Tools

CAD software (NX, CATIA, ProE)

FEA software (FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS)

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Printer Design & Manufacturing (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA

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.

As part of the Raptor 3D printer team, you will play a direct role in developing and scaling the printer and its production line. In this hands‑on position, you will train technicians, create production plans and work instructions, collaborate with design and supply chain engineering, and design printer hardware, tooling, and shop aids. Working directly on the production floor, you will drive the rapid iteration and successful ramp of the Raptor 3D printer program.

Responsibilities

• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed of execution and efficiency
• Refine the production system to create high-rate, high-yield, and reliable processes
• Develop training programs to teach engineers and technicians on laser tracking equipment and software
• Use in-depth familiarity of GD&T to interpret blueprints at all assembly levels
• Effectively communicate with fabricators, machinists, assemblers, engineers, and other parties as required
• Own the design, development, and implementation of custom production equipment for the Raptor 3D printer
• Balance simultaneous projects of varying scope and complexity in a fast‑paced environment

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline
• 1+ years of experience in the design and/or commissioning of mechanical engineering projects (student project team and internship experience qualifies)
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Verisurf or other model‑based metrology software
• Experience analyzing data and generating data reports
• Experience with CAD software design package (e.g., NX, CATIA, or ProE) and PLM/PDM software (e.g., Teamcenter)
• Experience performing structural analysis in FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS or NX Advance Simulation
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
• Prior experience applying common manufacturing processes (such as welding, machining, assembly, laser tracking, and inspection)
• Experience with custom machine design; electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, lifting/rigging, etc.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, facility/line layouts and common inspection methods
• Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high‑volume environments
• Strong understanding and application of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) in creating drawings
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers

Additional Requirements

• Travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
• Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 – $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 – $140,000.00

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 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 three weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for ten 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.

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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].