Mechanical Engineer, Starship Tooling

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 TOOLINGAs a member of the Starship Tooling team at Cape Canaveral, you will work with a group of engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate the launch pad hardware, recovery systems, and production tooling that launch and catch the most powerful rocket in the world.This team sits at the intersection of two disciplines. The first is structural design: large welded steel structures, heavy plates, load paths, and bolted and welded connections that react hundreds of thousands of pounds. The second is machine design: hold-downs, sliders, and actuated mechanisms with precise pin fits, bearings, and kinematics that must work the first time and every time. The hardware is big, the loads are high, and the schedule is short. You will own your hardware end to end, from the first hand calculation and NX model through fabrication planning with our internal welding and toolmaking teams, build, and activation testing. RESPONSIBILITIES:Design, analyze, build, and activate mechanical hardware for Starship launch pads, recovery systems, and production tooling, spanning large welded steel structures and precision mechanisms such as hold-downs, sliders, and actuated systemsDemonstrate complete end-to-end project ownership: define requirements, develop the concept, size it with hand calculations and analysis, release detailed models and prints, plan fabrication, lead the build, execute activation testing, and hand over to launch operationsPerform engineering hand calculations and finite element analysis to size structures and mechanisms, including statics and load paths, weld and bolted joint sizing, fatigue, kinematics, pin and bearing fits, and tolerance stacksDesign mass-efficient welded steel structures and define clear load paths for hardware that reacts very high static and dynamic loadsDesign, prototype, and test mechanisms with precise fits and kinematics; specify GD&T that controls the features that matterCreate detailed models and engineering prints in NX and manage large assembly modelsCreate manufacturing planning for scope performed by internal welding, machining, and toolmaking teams, and manage outside fabricators and suppliers where neededSupport hardware activation with the controls engineering team and perform development and acceptance testing with production and launch operations teamsLead in-field troubleshooting: safe the system when hardware behaves unexpectedly, then lead root-cause analysis and corrective actionWork closely with launch operations teams and their leadership to ensure the products we deliver meet form, function, and aesthetic expectationsMake development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations and present cost and schedule trade proposals to leadershipWork hands-on alongside technicians, welders, and machinists when needed to get hardware built, installed, and activated on timeBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline1+ years of professional experience using NX, CATIA, Creo, or SolidWorks design software package or ANSYS, ABAQUS, or FEMAP software (internship and project experience applies)PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:1+ years of experience in a professional setting designing, analyzing, or building mechanical structuresDemonstrated proficiency in both structural design (plates, weldments, load paths, bolted and welded connections) and machine design (mechanisms, kinematics, precision fits, bearings, actuators)Strong fundamentals in statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials, and the ability to apply them quickly and correctly in hand calculationsExperience designing and fabricating mass-efficient welded structuresExperience designing and testing mechanismsExperience with finite element analysisExperience with large-scale hardware (launch or ground support equipment, heavy industrial equipment, cranes and lifting, shipbuilding, or heavy machinery) and the loads, materials, and fabrication methods that come with itExperience working in a production facility or on a build site with equipment and machinery, including hands-on fabrication, build, and activationExperience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings; experience with NXStrong understanding and demonstrated application of GD&TSkilled in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, parts lists, and specificationsMaster’s degree in mechanical engineeringProject management experience in the aerospace, industrial, or power generation industryAbility to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, suppliers, and leadershipAbility to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentPassion for hands-on work when needed to enable project completionProactive, self-starter attitude and ability to lead projects throughout their entiretyADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape CanaveralAbility to work extended hours and weekends as necessaryWilling to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessaryWork schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is requiredLifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this positionITAR 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.