Mechanical Engineer, Starship Launch Hardware

SpaceX; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX, based in Florida, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the Starship Launch Hardware team. You will design and analyze mechanisms, production tooling, and launch pads, coordinating from concept through activation.

Responsibilities include cross-functional teamwork with operations, presenting trade proposals, and applying GD&T while considering cost and schedule constraints. Travel to other SpaceX locations may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 1+ years of professional experience with design software (internships/projects accepted).
• Strong understanding of GD&T and reading engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze mechanical systems for launch pads, recovery, and production tooling.
• Demonstrate end-to-end project ownership including build, testing, and activation of hardware.
• Collaborate with launch operations leaders to meet form, function, and aesthetic requirements.
• Apply technical knowledge to structural sizing and mechanisms while balancing cost and schedule.
• Present cost and schedule trade proposals to leadership.

Skills

NX

CATIA

Creo

SolidWorks

ANSYS

GD&T

Engineering drawings

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

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, STARSHIP LAUNCH HARDWARE

As a member of the Starship Launch Hardware team you will work with a group of engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, activate the production tools, launch pads, and recovery systems for Starship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

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