Mechanical Designer, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad)

SpaceX
Starbase, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for mechanical design professionals who bridge system architecture with implementation and have experience in hazardous environments. Candidate must be adaptable to varied work schedules and physical demands in a high-stakes aerospace domain.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with CAD experience in mechanical systems and a background in hazardous area control designs
    — “Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas
  • Individuals who can translate complex system designs into actionable field plans
    — “Translate designs into planning as the basis for install in the field
  • Professionals who thrive in collaborative, iterative environments with automation and controls engineers
    — “Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers

Things to consider

  • The role requires physical endurance and ability to work in extreme conditions
    — “Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
  • Candidates must be available for extended hours and shifting schedules
    — “Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary
  • U.S. citizenship or residency is mandatory due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident

How to stand out

  • Emphasize your ability to work in fast-paced, iterative design environments
    — “Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments
  • Demonstrate familiarity with EPlan and NEC/NFPA 79 codes during interviews
    — “Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79 codes
  • Showcase experience with structural analysis and robust design practices
    — “Perform basic structural analysis and use best practices to ensure designs are sufficiently robust
  • Demonstrate ability to work in varied physical conditions and heights
    — “Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft)
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • developing electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers
  • performing basic structural analysis
Typical background
mechanical designelectrical engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

CAD Tools (NX, Catia, Solidworks, Fusion 360)Electrical SchematicsConduit Fill CalculationsDesign Of Weldments And Sheet Metal StructuresKnowledge Of NEC, NFPA 79 CodesAbility To Work In Fast-paced, Demanding Environments

Preferred

Experience Using EplanExperience Designing And Installing Instrumentation And Control Systems In Hazardous Areas

Stack & domain

Mechanical DesignCADElectrical SchematicsStructural AnalysisConduit Fill CalculationsControl PanelsBracketryInstrumentationControl SystemsNFPA 79 CodesNECEplanCommunicationProblem-solvingTeamworkAdaptabilityTime ManagementSpace ExplorationLaunch PadAutomationControls

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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 DESIGNER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD) 

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls designers to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between system architecture and build – that is, developing electrical schematics, sizing conveyances, interfacing with fluids and mechanical components, detailed design of conduits and bracketry, and design of control panels. These systems will be involved in interfacing with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catching both stages, and reaching a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches. 

RESPONSIBILITES: 

Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers who architect the systems 

Perform conduit fill calculations and initial sizing of conveyances 

Create CAD models and drawings of conduits, control panels, bracketry, and related access provisions 

Perform basic structural analysis and use best practices to ensure designs are sufficiently robust for the challenging environment of the launch pad 

Translate designs into planning as the basis for install in the field 

Documentation of designs as well as best practices 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:   

Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline

2+ years of professional experience using CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) to design and model mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Familiarity with design of weldments and sheet metal structures 

Experience using EPlan 

Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79 codes 

Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence 

Capable of solving problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team 

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 

Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

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 10 hours 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, using an air purifying respirator, 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:

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

Similar roles