Mechanical Engineer, Tower & Launch Mount (Starship)

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, TOWER & LAUNCH MOUNT (STARSHIP)The Starship launch mount and catch tower will redefine ground support systems for launch vehicles as we know them, with the ultimate goal of launching, catching, and relaunching orbital boosters in hours or days instead of weeks or months. The Mechanical Engineer role covers design for manufacturability concepts through integration and testing of these critical launch pad components. You will be highly engaged on the primary and secondary structures of the launch mount and tower, including designing tooling (assembly aides, welding, part fixturing, etc.) and processes (welding, large part movement, large structure integration) to rapidly build early versions of the tower and launch mount. Further along in the build, you will be responsible for items such as integration operations, sequencing, and working with technicians on installing flight-critical hardware on the tower and launch mount. Throughout the build, you will be responsible for documenting processes and driving continual improvement to them for future builds. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers will be expected to sometimes act as de facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners.RESPONSIBILITIES:Work closely with analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for tower design as well as the manufacturing processesDevelop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to productionCoordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlinesExecute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiencyCreate original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling componentsLead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assembliesCreate and maintain build schedulesResolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication and assembly)Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customersPartner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles Source, retain and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspectiveBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline1+ year(s) of hands-on project experience with mechanical systems (internship and project experience applies)PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:2+ years of manufacturing design experience2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering2+ years of experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) conceptsExperience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modelingExperience with large steel structure construction (civil, naval, or mechanical)Experience designing and/or operating pressurized systems (cryogenic, hydraulic, compressed gases)Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including basic structures calculations and design considerationsExperience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packagesProcess development, facility and line layouts, error-proofingExperience with Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter CAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) systemsDetailed knowledge of Siemens NC or similar CAD and PLM packagesPrior experience with developing, maintaining and improving welding processesStrong interpersonal and organizational skillsADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is requiredAbility to work at elevated heights up to 500 feetAbility to pass Air Force background check for Cape CanaveralAbility to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over handTypically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rainWork performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noiseSchedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility requiredFlexibility to travel to other SpaceX sites (less than 25%)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 View email address on click.appcast.io.