Mechanical Designer, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad)

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 DESIGNER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)  

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls designers to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between system architecture and build – that is, developing electrical schematics, sizing conveyances, interfacing with fluids and mechanical components, detailed design of conduits and bracketry, and design of control panels. These systems will be involved in interfacing with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catching both stages, and reaching a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches.  

RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers who architect the systems  

• Perform conduit fill calculations and initial sizing of conveyances  

• Create CAD models and drawings of conduits, control panels, bracketry, and related access provisions  

• Perform basic structural analysis and use best practices to ensure designs are sufficiently robust for the challenging environment of the launch pad  

• Translate designs into planning as the basis for install in the field  

• Documentation of designs as well as best practices  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:     

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline

• 2+ years of professional experience using CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) to design and model mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Familiarity with design of weldments and sheet metal structures  

• Experience using EPlan  

• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79 codes  

• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence  

• Capable of solving problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team  

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal  

• Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day

• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

• Lift/Carry: Up