Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Starship Avionics)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee discounts

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer for Starship avionics. You will design instrumentation for extreme environments and drive mechanical design through 3D modeling, production drawings, and FEA analyses.

Collaboration with shops and cross‑functional teams is essential for successful producibility. The role emphasizes leadership in design reviews, advanced CAD/FEA use, and delivering reliable, lightweight systems for Starship avionics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in mechanical/aerospace/systems/electrical engineering.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design custom instrumentation for extreme environmental conditions.
• Create integrated product solutions for fluid and electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• Participate in manufacturing with pressure/thermal testing and laser welding.
• Perform thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis using hand calculations and FEA.
• Produce initial mechanical designs, 3D models, production drawings, and maintain design data.
• Conduct failure analysis related to thermal, loads, vibration and shock.
• Interface with machine shops to ensure producibility and align with project goals.
• Lead internal design reviews and participate with suppliers/partners.

Skills

CAD

FEA

3D modeling

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's in mechanical/aerospace/systems/electrical

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

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. MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIP AVIONICS)

The Starship team supports the mission to revolutionize orbital flight and space travel, opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Our team builds some of the most advanced electronics ever flown in space, at a cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry. Specifically, the Starship avionics team is responsible for designing a Starship avionics system that is optimized for high reliability at a low mass and cost.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design custom instrumentation for extreme thermal, dynamic and pressure environments
• Design integrated product solutions for fluid and electro-mechanical assemblies
• Participate in the manufacturing line, being hands on with processes including pressure testing, thermal testing, laser welding and more
• Perform thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis for mechanical assemblies using both hand calculations and finite element analysis
• Participate in initial mechanical design, 3D modeling, creation of production drawings and maintenance of design data
• Conduct failure analysis of components as it relates to thermal, loads, vibration and shock
• Interface with machine shops and production teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals
• Lead design reviews internally and participate in reviews with suppliers and partners

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or electrical engineering
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• 5+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• 2+ years of hands-motivated project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• Proficient and frequent use of hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD)
• Exposure to high volume production designs with a focus on design for manufacturability
• Exposure to designing for high vibration environments and high pressure environments
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes
• Working knowledge of thermal and structural FEA studies
• Experience with fatigue and thermal testing of electro-mechanical assemblies
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Sr. Mechanical Engineer: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year

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. 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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 ... or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].