Mechanical Engineer, Propellant Generation (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for Propellant Generation to support the Starship launch engineering team in Cape Canaveral, FL. This role involves leading mechanical design for systems that produce liquid oxygen and methane. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and relevant software experience, along with a passion for hands-on work. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. and may require travel to other SpaceX locations. Flexible work schedule is required.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a professional setting designing, analyzing, or building mechanical structures.
• Experience using design software such as NX, CATIA, Creo, or Solidworks.

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.

Skills

NX

CATIA

Creo

Solidworks

ANSYS

ABAQUS

FEMAP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Propellant Generation (Starship)

Cape Canaveral, FL

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 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
• 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].