Sr. HVAC Design Engineer

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is looking for a SR. HVAC DESIGN ENGINEER to join their construction and infrastructure team in Hawthorne, CA. This role involves designing advanced manufacturing facilities and being an expert on fluid systems including HVAC, piping, and dust collection.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering and have over 5 years of relevant experience. You will have opportunities for substantial impact in making life multiplanetary.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience working with various fluid components such as valves, pumps, and heat exchangers.
• Experience with HVAC systems and air ducting.
• Ability to work independently and handle extended hours if needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and activate advanced manufacturing facilities.
• Own and be the subject matter expert on fluid/HVAC components.
• Work with the production team for design to manufacturing transitions.

Skills

Fluid components expertise

CAD modeling

Fluid analyses

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Master’s degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

NX CAD

Data acquisition equipment

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.

SR. HVAC DESIGN ENGINEER

As a member of the construction and infrastructure team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world’s most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. You will be the subject matter expert on all HVAC, compressed air, piping, dust collection, and other critical fluid systems at HQ. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. This role involves design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of fluid system elements. You will work with other construction engineers, architects, and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for owning and being the subject matter expert on fluid/HVAC components across campus – compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, valves and dust collection systems.
• Perform CAD modeling and design of these systems.
• Perform fluid analyses for pressure balance, component design allowable, and consumables determination.
• Work with interdisciplinary customers to ensure the component will meet the requirements of production, avionics, GNC, mission operations and other SpaceX programs.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable; work with the production team to ensure a smooth transition to a reliable manufacturing process that has minimal design engineering sustainment engineering required.
• Material selection, sizing and procurement support.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience working with various fluid components such as valves, pumps, COPVs, compressors, heat exchangers, pressure transducers, or temperature sensors.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with fluid (liquid and/or gas) handling systems.
• Experience using data acquisition equipment, as well as test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays.
• Experience with HVAC systems and air ducting.
• Experienced in NX or other CAD packages with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5‑1994 and tolerance stack‑up analysis.
• Experience with structural analysis methods in order to optimize hardware to strength requirements as well as to evaluate for life and fracture.
• Experience with pressurized structures and/or lightweight aerospace structures.
• Ability to work independently.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

• Level 3: $135,000.00 - $190,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and 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, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

EEO STATEMENT

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].