Structures Engineer, Build (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Structures Engineer for the Starship project. The role focuses on the design, production, and testing of hardware to ensure efficiency in manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with at least one year of relevant experience. Responsibilities include coordinating production transitions, troubleshooting design discrepancies, and collaborating with engineering teams. This position requires compliance with U.S. export regulations and may require extended work hours to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with vehicle analysts for vehicle design requirements.
• Develop production procedures and manage transitions from development to production.
• Coordinate testing of systems and tooling to meet hardware deadlines.
• Resolve manufacturing discrepancies and interface with quality teams.
• Participate in design reviews with internal teams and suppliers.

Skills

Mechanical or aerospace engineering background

Manufacturing or production experience

Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques

3D CAD software experience

DFMA experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Master’s degree in relevant fields

Tools

3D CAD 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.

STRUCTURES ENGINEER, BUILD (STARSHIP)

The build engineer is responsible for production, qualification, and the design/analysis of hardware manufactured on the lines, as well as advancement of the manufacturing system itself. Development scope includes identifying inputs, detailed design and analysis, design reviews, qualification, and production implementation. This includes mechanical testing, weld process development, inspection techniques, personnel access, and all associated tooling required to create the Starship and Super Heavy Booster primary structures. Additional responsibilities include developing and reviewing work instructions as designs evolve and resolving issues that often require one-off analysis to determine the path forward.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with vehicle analysts to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
• Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiencyCreate original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling componentsLead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assembliesCreate and maintain build schedulesResolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
• Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
• Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
• Source, retain, and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
• Involvement in a professional engineering society or collegiate design project
• Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
• Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
• Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
• Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
• Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (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].