Mechanisms Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level mechanical engineers with hands-on hardware experience who thrive in dynamic, physically demanding environments.

Best fit for

  • Engineers who rapidly adapt to increasing responsibilities in fast-paced settings.
    — “Demonstrated rapid growth. You’ve held successive positions of increasing responsibility
  • Candidates passionate about tangible hardware that operates in extreme conditions.
    — “have a passion for contributing to a work product that operates in the real world
  • Designers experienced with high-end CAD tools for mechanical systems.
    — “Experience using a high-end CAD software design package

Things to consider

  • Frequent extended hours and weekend work required for launch support.
    — “Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Physical demands include lifting 25 lbs and working at 300 ft heights.
    — “Able to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • US citizenship or permanent residency required due to ITAR regulations.
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national

How to stand out

  • Showcase projects where you simplified complex mechanical systems for reliability.
    — “mechanical systems will need to be greatly simplified, more reliable
  • Highlight collaborative projects integrating mechanical systems with other disciplines.
    — “Partner with peer design owners such as avionics, power systems, and structures
  • Demonstrate experience validating large metallic structures under real-world conditions.
    — “Experience designing and validating large metallic structures and or mechanisms
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · CompanyLevel · Mid Level

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

What success looks like

  • Mechanical systems validation
  • Integrated system optimization
  • Ground testing
Typical background
1+ years of mechanical systems experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical Systems DesignCAD SoftwareMechanical AnalysisActuator Design

Preferred

Large Metallic Structures DesignRapid Manufacturability

Stack & domain

Mechanical SystemsActuatorsCad SoftwareDesign For ManufacturabilityTestingIntegrationDiagnosticsProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationAdaptabilityLeadershipAerospaceMechanical EngineeringManufacturing

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.

MECHANISMS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

To enable rapid reusability of our launch vehicles, mechanical systems will need to be greatly simplified, more reliable, and easier to manufacture. As a Mechanical Engineer you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating mechanical systems and actuators for Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. These mechanisms are used in various applications, including propellant delivery, actuation of control surfaces, and Raptor thrust vector control. You will be entrusted to improve existing systems while also helping to shape and design the next generation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Drive design and development of mechanical systems across the vehicles

Partner with peer design owners such as avionics, power systems, and structures to deliver integrated systems optimized for packaging, build, and operations

Conduct design reviews with stakeholders and customers

Manage on-site integration teams and implement integration feedback into the design

Diagnose and operate vehicle mechanisms during ground testing and flight

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of experience analyzing, designing, building or testing mechanical systems (competition team or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Experience building hardware or have a passion for contributing to a work product that operates in the real world

Demonstrated rapid growth. You’ve held successive positions of increasing responsibility within an organization, were able to get yourself up to speed at a heroic pace, and accomplished something meaningfully difficult early in your career

Experience using a high-end CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, Solidworks, etc.)

Experience designing and validating large metallic structures and or mechanisms

Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Understanding of design considerations including design for rapid manufacturability, design of tests, weld joint and allowable development, corrosion resistance, and inspection techniques

Ability to work in a collaborative team environment with engineers, technicians, and leaders

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Able to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches

Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required

Able to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.

Able 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

Able 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 PPE

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $100,000 - $117,500

Level 2: $115,000 - $140,000

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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