Mechanical Engineer, Propellant Generation (Starship)

SpaceX; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Propellant Generation (Starship) based at Cape Canaveral, FL. You will lead the mechanical design and field support for propellant generation systems enabling rapid, high‑volume production of liquid oxygen and methane.

Work with elite engineers across disciplines to design, install, and activate air separation plants, liquefaction equipment, and gas turbine power generation infrastructure to support Starship orbital launch capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline required.
• 1+ years of professional experience with design software or FEM tools.
• Experience with NX/CATIA/Creo/SolidWorks or ANSYS/ABAQUS/FEMAP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for air separation plants, liquefaction systems, and gas turbine power generation plants.
• Design and analyze mechanical systems for launch pads, recovery, and production tooling.
• Demonstrate end to end project ownership, coordinate the build, testing and activation of the hardware you design.
• Work closely with launch operations teams and their leadership to ensure the products meet form, function, and aesthetic expectations.
• Display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while considering cost and schedule.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

Project coordination

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA

Creo

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ABAQUS

FEMAP

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 ENGINEER, PROPELLANT GENERATION (STARSHIP)

As a member of the Starship Launch Engineering team, you will focus on the mechanical design and field support for propellant generation systems that enable rapid, high-volume production of liquid oxygen and methane. You will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, install, and activate air separation plants (ASUs), liquefaction equipment, and gas turbine-based power generation infrastructure required to support Starship orbital launch capability. This position is based at Cape Canaveral, FL.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead mechanical design for air separation plants, liquefaction systems, and gas turbine power generation plants
• Design and analyze mechanical systems for launch pads, recovery, and production tooling
• Demonstrate complete end to end project ownership, coordinate the build, testing and activation of the hardware you design
• Work closely with launch operations teams and their leadership to ensure the products we deliver meet form, function, and aesthetic expectations
• Use your well-rounded technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations
• Present cost and schedule trade proposals to leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience using NX, CATIA, Creo, or Solidworks design software package or ANSYS, ABAQUS, or FEMAP software (internship and project experience applies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1+ years of experience in a professional setting designing, analyzing, or building mechanical structures
• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering
• Project management experience in the aerospace, industrial, or power generation industry
• Strong understanding and demonstrated application of GD&T
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Passion for hands-on work when needed to enable project completion
• Skilled in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, parts lists, and specification
• Proactive, self-starter attitude and ability to lead projects throughout their entirety

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to 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
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

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