Mechanisms Engineer (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentives (stock or cash awards)

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Three weeks paid vacation

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP (SpaceX) in Hawthorne, California, seeks a Mechanisms Engineer for the Starship project. You will design and validate mechanical systems, ensuring reliability and manufacturability. The role involves collaboration across engineering teams to integrate systems and drive development.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering and have mechanical system experience. Competitive compensation, including benefits such as stock options and paid vacation, is offered.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience analyzing, designing, building, or testing mechanical systems.
• Experience building hardware or passion for real-world applications.

Responsibilities

• Drive design and development of mechanical systems across vehicles.
• Manage on-site integration teams and implement feedback into design.
• Conduct design reviews with stakeholders.

Skills

Mechanical system design

Collaboration

CAD software proficiency (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks)

Problem-solving

Adaptability in varied environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

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.

MECHANISMS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

To enable rapid reusability of our launch vehicles, mechanical systems will need to be greatly simplified, more reliable, and easier to manufacture. As a Mechanical Engineer you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating mechanical systems and actuators for Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. These mechanisms are used in various applications, including propellant delivery, actuation of control surfaces, and Raptor thrust vector control. You will be entrusted to improve existing systems while also helping to shape and design the next generation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive design and development of mechanical systems across the vehicles
• Partner with peer design owners such as avionics, power systems, and structures to deliver integrated systems optimized for packaging, build, and operations
• Conduct design reviews with stakeholders and customers
• Manage on‑site integration teams and implement integration feedback into the design
• Diagnose and operate vehicle mechanisms during ground testing and flight

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience analyzing, designing, building, or testing mechanical systems (competition team or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience building hardware or a passion for contributing to a work product that operates in the real world
• Demonstrated rapid growth: successive positions of increasing responsibility and early career accomplishments
• Experience using a high‑end CAD software design package (e.g., NX, CATIA, SolidWorks)
• Experience designing and validating large metallic structures and/or mechanisms
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Understanding of design considerations including rapid manufacturability, test design, weld joints, corrosion resistance, and inspection techniques
• Team collaboration with engineers, technicians, and leaders

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to respond to emergencies for priority projects, missions, and launches
• Work extended hours, weekends, and in extreme outdoor environments as needed
• Adapt to exposure to fumes, odors, noise, tight quarters, and physically demanding positions
• Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted and work on ladders, lifts, and elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000 - $117,500
Level 2: $115,000 - $140,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives (company stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and a discount Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Medical, vision, dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks are also included. Employees accrue three weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with company policy, which satisfies or exceeds legal requirements.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or 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 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 who require reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process, should reach out to [e-mail].