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 processes

• Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to production

• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines

• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency

• Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components

• Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies

• Create and maintain build schedules

• Resolve 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 customers

• Partner 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 perspective

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline

• 1+ year(s) of hands-on project experience with mechanical systems (internship and project experience applies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: