Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer (Starfall)

Future Ventures; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k)

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

Parental leave

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to own the design of Starfall cargo structures, fluid systems, and components capable of withstanding extreme space environments. You will drive hardware from inception through launch and reuse, collaborating with leadership and suppliers to meet stringent requirements.

The role emphasizes hands-on fabrication, advanced CAD/FEA work, and cross-functional teamwork in a fast-paced, high-stakes setting with opportunities for impact on planetary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with CAD or FEA software packages.
• 5+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Full ownership of primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and/or fluid systems for Starfall Cargo Vehicle.
• Use hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure hardware meets requirements.
• Lead design reviews and hardware qualifications.
• Serve as technical interface with suppliers, customers, and internal production/launch teams.
• Own the hardware delivery timeline and success through inception, design, assembly, launch and re-use.

Skills

CAD

FEA

Hardware fabrication

Structure design

Python/ Matlab

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

NX/Teamcenter

NASTRAN/ABAQUS/ANSYS

Job description

SR. MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (STARFALL)

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.

The Starfall team is developing the world’s first high-capacity, high-cadence, and low-cost re-entry capsule. The Starfall vehicle will unlock a new frontier in rapid global mobility by enabling point-to-point cargo delivery anywhere on Earth in under an hour. This vehicle could also serve as a powerful new platform when integrated with SpaceX’s other core technologies to unlock numerous applications, such as in-space manufacturing and on-orbit research.

As a Starfall Mechanical Design Engineer, you will spearhead the design of numerous structures, fluid systems, and components that must withstand extreme loads and the harsh environment of space. You will own hardware through the product life cycle and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases. You are especially strong in analysis and employ a ground-up, fundamental physics approach to problem solving. You have strong technical and interpersonal skills, and you thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change company-level direction on a regular basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Full ownership of primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and/or fluid systems for our Starfall Cargo Vehicle
• Use hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds internal and customer requirements
• Lead design reviews and hardware qualifications
• Serve as technical interface with suppliers, customers, and internal production/launch teams
• Own the hardware delivery timeline and success through inception, design, assembly, launch and re-use

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience with CAD or FEA software packages
• 5+ years of hands‑on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with NX/Teamcenter designing parts and assemblies
• Experience with at least one commercial FEA or Multiphysics simulation package (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, CFD codes, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.)
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, Excel, etc.)
• Active Secret, Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, OR ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs
• Willingness to travel in support of hardware test and launch
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre‑employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Senior: $135,000.00 - $190,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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.
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