Mechanical Facilities Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Bastrop, TX is seeking a Mechanical Facilities Engineer to ensure safe, efficient operation of building systems including HVAC and plumbing. You will design upgrades, oversee new line installations, and drive continuous improvement at a world-class facility supporting space missions.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and 3+ years in HVAC/plumbing design and maintenance, with emphasis on safety, compliance, and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is required or equivalent.
• 3+ years of professional experience in design and maintenance of industrial HVAC/plumbing systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for design, operation, improvement, and troubleshooting of facility mechanical components and systems.
• Coordinate downtime activities between maintenance, construction, and production teams.
• Drive mechanical system improvement projects using change requests and advanced detection methods.
• Troubleshoot mechanical system problems and coordinate maintenance protocols and procurement.
• Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design, optimize and maintain systems.
• Support technicians to troubleshoot electrical equipment and controllers.
• Oversee installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment to meet specs.

Skills

HVAC design

Plumbing systems

Troubleshooting

Contractor management

AutoCAD/Revit (basic)

BMS Schneider

Code knowledge

Facilities operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Schneider BMS

Job description

Mechanical Facilities Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

As a Mechanical Engineer at our Starlink Production facility, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and efficiency of our mechanical systems. You will be responsible for troubleshooting, evaluating, and improving various mechanical systems site-wide, including HVAC, plumbing, and building structures and systems. Your expertise will drive continuous improvement initiatives, support sustainability goals, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Additionally, you will be tasked with designing upgrades and overseeing the installation of new assembly lines and processes, with the goal of creating a world-class facility that can support the mission of connecting people across the globe and enabling life beyond Earth. This position is based in Bastrop, Texas (Greater Austin, TX Area).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide engineering support for the design, operation, improvement, and troubleshooting of all facility mechanical components and systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and building structures and systems
• Coordinate downtime activities between maintenance, construction, and production teams to minimize disruptions
• Drive mechanical system improvement projects using design change requests and advanced detection methods
• Troubleshoot mechanical system problems, formulate maintenance protocols, service schedules, and coordinate material procurement for machinery upkeep
• Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
• Collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to design, optimize, and maintain mechanical systems
• Provide mechanical engineering support to facility technicians to troubleshoot existing electrical equipment and controllers
• Oversee equipment installation, operation, and maintenance to meet specified parameters

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in design and maintenance of industrial HVAC/plumbing systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of professional experience in designing and maintaining industrial HVAC, plumbing, mechanical systems
• Proven track record in clean-room design and maintenance, underscoring an understanding of stringent environmental control requirements
• Proficiency in implementing maintenance solutions with minimal operational impact
• Demonstrated ability to assist technicians with troubleshooting and repair efforts effectively
• Capacity to thrive in high-concentration, high-stress environments, with flexibility to work extended hours as required
• Attentive to detail and proactive in executing preventive maintenance initiatives
• Familiarity with AutoCAD/Revit software applications at a beginner to intermediate skill level
• Knowledgeable about relevant industry codes and standards, such as ASHRAE, NFPA, and International Building Code
• Previous experience in system design, sizing, specification, and installation, particularly focusing on HVAC chillers, pumps, boilers, air handlers, and HEPA filtration systems
• In-depth understanding of HVAC operations, especially in managing chilled water plants operated through air-cooled chillers
• Experience with advanced data/monitoring systems like Schneider Building Management Systems is preferred
• Strong understanding of construction project management principles, including scheduling, budgeting, and contractor management

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical ability to perform hands-on work in various environments, including heat, cold, rain, and tight quarters
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Ability to travel occasionally as required by project needs
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• 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 Affirmentive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.