Senior Mechanical Engineer, Flight Termination Systems

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX actively develops technologies to enable human life on Mars. MECHANICAL ENGINEER, FLIGHT TERMINATION SYSTEM (STARSHIP) As a member of the Flight Termination System team, you will be responsible for the design of the Starship Flight Termination System hardware and explosives. You will oversee the entire development process—from hardware design and analysis to production facility layout, electromechanical and live ordnance assembly, environmental testing, and vehicle integration. You will interface with regulatory partners to develop and meet space‑industry regulatory requirements. The FTS is safety‑critical and must meet the highest levels of rigor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop state‑of‑the‑art, manufacturable explosive devices and robust hardware integration designs for the Starship and Super Heavy flight termination system. Validate reliability of hardware and designs through shock, vibration, thermal‑cycling, climatic and live‑fire testing; design experiments, develop fixturing, and produce technical reports. Partner with manufacturing, production, testing and supply chain to achieve high component build rates and high factory yield, delivering >1 full stacked launch vehicle per month. Generate and maintain detailed drawings, component specifications, analysis and risk assessments. Lead root‑cause investigations in development, production, test, integration and launch, implementing corrective actions to prevent repeat failures. Set standards for component design and qualification testing to strict regulatory standards. Maintain zero in‑flight anomalies in flight‑termination system components; reduce component‑caused production and launch delays. Act as chief engineer, collaborating with stage, avionics and flight safety teams to devise simple, cost‑effective solutions and inform system‑level architecture.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and/or hands‑on manufacturing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving and optimizing rocket production and launch processes. 5+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems. Experience with LSDYNA/ANSYS, BlastX, CHEETA, and/or Hydrocode. Master’s degree or 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Experience designing, building, testing and troubleshooting mechanical systems. Strong project management skills and effective communication of technical concepts across multi‑disciplinary teams. Hands‑on experience with high voltage electronics or explosives. Leadership experience on a project or research team. Experience using test instrumentation and control components (e.g., pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays, solenoid valves). Knowledge of electro‑mechanical devices, actuators, motors or explosives. Understanding fundamental principles of explosives, solid mechanics and dynamics.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones. Must be willing to handle and test high‑explosive devices. Must be willing and able to obtain ATF explosives clearance. Must be willing to travel.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Sr. Mechanical Engineer: $130,000.00 – $180,000.00 per year. Base salary is determined case‑by‑case based on knowledge, skills, education and experience. SpaceX offers long‑term incentives such as stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts. Employees accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays, and paid sick leave that meets or exceeds applicable law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

Use of space‑related technology requires compliance with ITAR. Further information can be provided upon inquiry. Equal Opportunity Employer SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment at SpaceX is based on merit, competence and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Accommodations Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application or interview process should reach out to the SpaceX recruiting team. #J-18808-Ljbffr Jobs via Dice