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.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER (PRODUCTION TOOLING) As a member of the Production Tooling team you will work with a group of elite engineers to design, build and activate custom tools critical to the ongoing success of programs across SpaceX. You will personally own high impact projects and drive them from concept to completion on a time scale measured in months, not years.
RESPONSIBILITIES: - Design and develop production tooling for SpaceX's Hawthorne-based production teams.
- Demonstrate extreme ownership of projects through their entire lifecycle, from initial concept generation through fabrication and production implementation.
- Balance simultaneous projects of varying scope and complexity in a fast-paced environment.
- Liaise with various engineering and production teams to drive design for manufacturing.
- Use your well-rounded technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations.
- Work with neighboring Automation and Pressurized Systems teams to bring large assets online and troubleshoot during the build process.
- Hone your organizational skills as you coordinate with internal SpaceX resources and external vendors to align with project schedule. Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure costs and quality are well managed.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
- 1+ years of professional or internship experience with mechanical projects.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: - 3+ years of professional or internship experience with mechanical-related projects such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, rocket club, CubeSat, Design Build Fly, etc.
- Solid understanding of common tooling materials/practices, drafting, GD&T, and tolerance stack up analysis.
- Prior experience applying common manufacturing processes to designs (such as welding, machining, assembly, and inspection).
- Experience with custom machine design; electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, lifting/rigging, etc.
- Strong expertise in design for manufacturability and design for assembly including experience taking products from development design to production.
- Extensive hands-on experience with common manufacturing processes including mills, lathes, manual and CNC, welders etc.
- Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM systems.
- Experience performing structural analysis in FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS or NX Advance Simulation.
- Experience designing production rate focused tooling for large aerospace structures.
- Ability to hone down project requirements to focus on the most impactful improvements from a safety, reliability, and efficiency standpoint.
- Demonstrated ability to incorporate robust poka-yoke methodologies to improve safety and reliability.
- Experience with manufacturing process development, facility/line layouts and common quality tools (PFMEA, 5 Whys, etc).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: - Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range:
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/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
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