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.
LAUNCH ENGINEER, MECHANICAL Aggressively-paced, constantly-evolving, results-focused, real-as-it-gets engineering positions available for the ambitious. We design, build, activate, modify, improve, and maintain the mechanical systems that test the most powerful rocket in the world. Aimed at pivoting and fixing issues every day, you can plan on having your skills put to the test, having hardware you designed, made, and installed the same day in a development-focused environment. From designing large structural weldments to precision-machined parts or flowing tens of thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens that enable long-duration static fire testing and launch, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding launch and test program, both today and in the future.
RESPONSIBILITIES: - Analyze, design, and build systems that support critical rocket launches and testing
- Cradle-to-grave project ownership through hosting design reviews, project decision justification, equipment procurement, and coordination and assistance with the construction of your ideas
- Design modular hardware capable of being manufactured at volume for future launch and test sites across the world
- Apply interdisciplinary engineering skills in fields of system-level process design and initial sizing, detailed structural engineering, pressurized fluid and thermal analysis, materials, and component selection, and cost/schedule optimization
- Utilize finite element method (FEM) software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP) and rigorous hand calculations to facilitate design and issue disposition
- Work with vehicle engineers to understand requirements and develop systems from conception
- Work directly with technicians and support groups to build your designs, and fix real-world problems on the fly
- Maintain a tight feedback loop with the launch operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight deadlines
- Activate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives and iterate system maintenance strategies to reduce future downtimes
- Independently evaluate complex problems and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that best support the program
- Hands-on approach to tackling daily field projects necessary to keep the company testing and launching rockets
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering field
- 1+ years of professional experience designing, building, or troubleshooting fluid or mechanical systems (internships and college competition team count)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: - Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
- Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment
- Willingness to perform other related duties to ensure an efficient and effective work environment
- Experience with quick thinking and problem-solving in stressful situations
- Experience solving challenges posed by short deadlines
- Strong fundamental intuition of structural/mechanical systems
- Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch
- General hands-on experience with machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques is a plus
- Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, verification against a model
- 3+ years of mechanical and/or fluids/thermal design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent
- Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems and weldments
- Experience with high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and components
- Experience producing drawings for welders and machine shop fabrication
- Collaborative team player, eager to find the best solution while balancing cost and schedule
- Acute attention to detail, ability to see interactions with other systems to avoid problems
- Intermediate skill level using CAD (NX a plus)
- Ability to verify designs with simplified hand calculations; experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a plus
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) piping and pressure vessel design experience
- Creative and passionate approach to addressing opportunities and challenges, and an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive can-do attitude
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: - Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required
- Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed - heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
- Ability 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
- Ability 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 personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
- Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
- Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
- Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
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
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