Lead Mechanical Engineer (Critical Infrastructure)

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.

LEAD MECHANICAL ENGINEER (CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE)

As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will lead a team of mechanical engineers to design, build and activate the infrastructure that will enable orbital launch capability for the largest rocket in the world. This role will participate, coordinate, and execute infrastructure projects as well as provide support to the operations and maintenance of facilities, equipment, and utilities.

You will be the subject matter expert on all compressed air, piping, dust collection, HVAC, and other mechanical systems. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. This role involves the design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of fluid system elements. You will work with other construction engineers, architects, and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, focused on the development, value engineering, and construction of SpaceX site facilities.
• Develop and train direct reports to enable extreme ownership and empowered decision making.
• Be the subject matter expert on mechanical and fluid components across campus - compressors, heat exchangers, chillers, pumps, valves, HVAC and dust collection systems.
• Perform CAD modeling and design of these systems.
• Perform fluid analyses for pressure balance, component design allowable, and consumables determination.
• Work with interdisciplinary customers to ensure the component will meet the requirements of production, avionics, GNC, mission operations and other SpaceX programs.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable; work with the production team to ensure a smooth transition to a reliable manufacturing process that has minimal design engineering sustainment engineering required.
• Material selection, sizing and procurement support.
• Provide mechanical engineering support to facility technicians to troubleshoot existing mechanical equipment and controls.
• Lead, mentor and coach a world class team to execute on the procurement, design, installation and commissioning of mechanical assets across campus.
• Prepare and coordinate all capital expenditure processes including reviews, approvals, and execution of site capital projects.
• Ensure technical specifications, budget, and deadlines are met.
• Provide technical support and information to ensure construction complies with all standards, codes, and specifications.
• Develop cost estimates, material requisitions, plans, and specifications for multiple small and large multi-disciplinary projects.
• Be proactive with respect to team growth and department/company strategy.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 3+ year of professional experience working with various fluids components such as valves, pumps, COPVs, compressors, heat exchangers, pressure transducers, chillers, processed piping or temperature sensors.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Hands-on experience with fluid (liquid and/or gas) handling systems.
• Experience using data acquisition equipment, as well as test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays.
• Experience with HVAC systems and air ducting.
• Experienced in NX or other CAD packages with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994 and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience with structural analysis methods in order to optimize hardware to strength requirements as well as to evaluate for life and fracture.
• Experience with pressurized structures and/or lightweight aerospace structures.
• Ability to work independently.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Lead Mechanical Engineer/Lead: $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 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:

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