1+ years of experience with design software (NX, CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks) or FEA software (ANSYS, ABAQUS, FEMAP)
Proficiency in structural and machine design principles
Strong fundamentals in statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials
Experience with large-scale hardware and fabrication methods
Responsibilities
Design and activate mechanical hardware for Starship launch pads and recovery systems
Own projects from concept through testing and handover to operations
Perform engineering calculations and finite element analysis for structures and mechanisms
Create detailed models and engineering prints in NX
Manage manufacturing planning and coordinate with internal and external teams
Support hardware activation and conduct testing with operations teams
Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis in the field
Benefits
Collaborative work environment with cross-disciplinary teams
Hands-on involvement in cutting-edge aerospace projects
Opportunity to work on the most powerful rocket in the world
Potential for career growth in a fast-paced industry
Flexible work schedule to accommodate operational needs
Full Job Description
MECHANICAL ENGINEER, STARSHIP TOOLING
As 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 systems
Demonstrate 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 operations
Perform 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 stacks
Design mass-efficient welded steel structures and define clear load paths for hardware that reacts very high static and dynamic loads
Design, prototype, and test mechanisms with precise fits and kinematics; specify GD&T that controls the features that matter
Create detailed models and engineering prints in NX and manage large assembly models
Create manufacturing planning for scope performed by internal welding, machining, and toolmaking teams, and manage outside fabricators and suppliers where needed
Support hardware activation with the controls engineering team and perform development and acceptance testing with production and launch operations teams
Lead in-field troubleshooting: safe the system when hardware behaves unexpectedly, then lead root-cause analysis and corrective action
Work closely with launch operations teams and their leadership to ensure the products we deliver meet form, function, and aesthetic expectations
Make development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations and present cost and schedule trade proposals to leadership
Work hands-on alongside technicians, welders, and machinists when needed to get hardware built, installed, and activated on time
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ 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 structures
Demonstrated 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 calculations
Experience designing and fabricating mass-efficient welded structures
Experience designing and testing mechanisms
Experience with finite element analysis
Experience 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 it
Experience working in a production facility or on a build site with equipment and machinery, including hands-on fabrication, build, and activation
Experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings; experience with NX
Strong understanding and demonstrated application of GD&T
Skilled in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, parts lists, and specifications
Master's degree in mechanical engineering
Project management experience in the aerospace, industrial, or power generation industry
Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, suppliers, and leadership
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Passion for hands-on work when needed to enable project completion
Proactive, self-starter attitude and ability to lead projects throughout their entirety
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
About SpaceX
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
