Mechanical Engineer (Starship Components Manufacturing)

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 (STARSHIP COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING) 

The Starship Components Manufacturing team assembles, tests, troubleshoots, and delivers flow control devices and mechanisms that drive critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy - from regulators and butterfly valves to flap/fin actuators. We design and build valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900F to -400F and pressures beyond 10,000 psig. As a mechanical engineer at SpaceX, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will introduce innovative products to the factory, evolve shop layout and capabilities, implement flight-like testing, solve nuanced root cause investigations, and exercise the algorithm to achieve SpaceX’s highest-yet component build rate. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design the factory and process to deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality flow control devices (valves, regulators) and mechanisms (flap/fin/gimbal motor actuators) for Starship and Super Heavy
• Question assembly/test requirements, delete parts and manufacturing processes, simplify/optimize production flow, accelerate production, and cut-in targeted automation. Implement linear production flow, visual indicators of bottlenecks/stock-outs, and product-specific build/test cells for low-intervention production
• Work closely with development and design engineers, internal machine shops, and external vendors to make parts that are designed for manufacturability 
• Maintain robust but simple work instructions and track defects/part movement in a lightweight and scalable manner. Implement flight-like acceptance testing
• Support component level testing such as proof and leak, fluid flow, cryogenic and functional checkouts. Solve production yield investigations
• Target zero workmanship defects and minimize fleet containments. Increase factory scrutiny as the products mature in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline 
• 1+ years of mechanical design/hands-on manufacturing experience (internships and project teams qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Leadership or mentorship experience and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels in the organization (technicians, engineers, exec team)
• Experience in build/test development and on-time delivery of new components
• Experience working with fluid and electromechanical components such as valves, actuators, regulators, motors, gear trains, and sensors
• Knowledge of principles of fluid dynamics, mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits 
• Proficient in interpretation of fluid schematics, engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists
• Experience in software development in SQL, Python or C# 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed
• Available to work long hours and weekends as needed 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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 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:

• 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 [email protected].