Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Crew Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering team at the forefront of space exploration as a Senior Mechanical Engineer for the Crew Starship project. This role offers the unique opportunity to design and build critical spacecraft systems that will support future lunar and Martian missions. You will take full ownership of the design process, from initial concepts through to production and integration. Collaborate with top engineers and contribute to groundbreaking projects that will shape the future of humanity's journey into space. If you are passionate about aerospace engineering and eager to make a significant impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Short & long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

10 or more paid holidays per year

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical design experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline is essential.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of structures for Crew Starship vehicles.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure hardware integration and mission support.
• Lead design reviews and negotiate trade studies for project optimization.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Data-Driven Decision Making

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Leadership

Aerospace Structures

Communication Skills

NX Software

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

NX

Job description

SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER (CREW STARSHIP)

After 50 years, humankind will once again return to the surface of the moon using SpaceX’s new vehicle, Crew Starship (also known as HLS or the Human Landing System) – this time for good. Starship will usher in the next era of manned spaceflight and exploration, ultimately allowing us to establish permanent communities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer on the Crew Starship team, you will design and build spacecraft systems that are critical to the success and safety of future astronauts. Disciplines within this team include primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and crew-interfacing hardware. Your design solutions will be driven by all future Crew Starship missions (Lunar, Mars, etc.). This role requires full hardware ownership, from initial design requirements and concepts all the way through design, analysis, prototype, qualification, and integration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the design and development of next generation structures, mechanisms, or interior systems for Crew Starship vehicles
• Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs
• Rapidly iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure hardware integrates with Starship systems and supports necessary mission operations
• Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers (e.g., NASA)
• Negotiate complex trade studies to optimize for cost, schedule, safety, and performance, among other considerations
• Be responsible for project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and recovery
• Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Leadership experience on an engineering or project team
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions
• Experience with structures, mechanisms, or interior design in aerospace or aviation industries
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
• Experienced in NX
• Solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Technical knowledge of human spacecraft systems and operations
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to other engineers, stakeholders, management, and executive staff
• Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Ability to travel to remote sites in Texas and Florida
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Mechanical Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.