Sr. Mechanisms Engineer (Starship)

Rocket Lab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Sr. Mechanisms Engineer to design and validate mechanical systems for their next-generation vehicles. This role involves significant collaboration with cross-functional teams and a focus on optimizing designs for reusability and performance. Ideal candidates will have a robust engineering background and demonstrated experience in mechanical systems.

Benefits

Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Discretionary bonuses

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in an engineering discipline required.
• 5+ years experience in mechanical systems design and testing.
• Rapid growth with increasing responsibilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive design and development of mechanical systems across vehicles.
• Manage on-site integration teams and implement feedback.
• Diagnose vehicle mechanisms during ground testing and flight.

Skills

Design engineering

Mechanical systems analysis

Project management

High-end CAD software

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

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. 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. The Mechanisms Engineer 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
• 5+ years of experience analyzing, designing, building, or testing mechanical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience building hardware or have a passion for contributing to a work product that operates in the real world
• Demonstrated rapid growth. You’ve held successive positions of increasing responsibility within an organization, were able to get yourself up to speed at a heroic pace, and accomplished something meaningfully difficult early in your career
• Experience using a high-end CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, Solidworks, etc.)
• 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 design for rapid manufacturability, design of tests, weld joint and allowable development, corrosion resistance, and inspection techniques
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment with engineers, technicians, and leaders

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required
• Able to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
• Able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Working conditions may be in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
• Able to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mechanisms Engineer/Senior: $130,000.00 - $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 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 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].