Mechanical Engineer (Starship Avionics)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Engineer for the Starship Avionics team to design highly producible mechanical packaging that protects electronics in harsh launch environments. You will model, analyze, and document components from concept through integration, coordinating with shops and production teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering and 1+ years of design/analysis experience, with CAD/FEA proficiency, GD&T, and exposure to vibration environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• At least 1 year of mechanical or electromechanical design/analysis experience.

Responsibilities

• Design packaging solutions for electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Perform thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis using hand calculations and FEA.
• Create 3D models and production drawings; maintain design data.
• Conduct failure analysis related to thermal, loads, vibration and shock.
• Coordinate with machine shops and production teams to ensure manufacturability.
• Own hardware delivery timeline from inception to integration.
• Lead internal design reviews and participate with suppliers/customers.
• Ensure designs meet weight and rate targets using innovative approaches.

Skills

Self-motivated communication

CAD

FEA

Hand calculations

Vibration environments

GD&T

PCB layout exposure

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

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 (Starship Avionics)

The Starship Avionics team is responsible for designing a Starship avionics system that is optimized for high reliability at a low mass and cost. Our charter is to develop highly producible mechanical designs and packaging solutions that protect our electronics from the harsh mechanical and thermal environments of launch vehicle operations.

Responsibilities

• Design packaging solutions for electro-mechanical assemblies
• Thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis for electro-mechanical assemblies using both hand calculations and finite element analysis
• Participate in initial mechanical design, 3D modeling, creation of production drawings and maintenance of design data
• Failure analysis of components as it relates to thermal, loads, vibration and shock
• Interface with machine shops and production teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals
• Own the hardware delivery timeline and success through inception, design, assembly, test, and integration
• Lead design reviews internally and participate in reviews with suppliers and customers
• Ensure structural designs are capable of both weight and rate targets using innovative design and manufacturing approaches

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis (internships and student project experience qualify)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• Proficient and frequent use of hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD)
• Exposure to high volume production designs with a focus on design for manufacturability
• Exposure to designing for high vibration environments
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes
• Working knowledge of thermal and structural FEA studies
• Experience with fatigue and thermal testing of electro-mechanical assemblies
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout

Additional Requirements

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
• 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 Affi­?.