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SpaceX · 7 hours ago

Sr. Thermal Hardware Engineer (Dragon)

Hawthorne, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$125K/yr - $175K/yr

5+ years exp

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. As a Sr. Thermal Hardware Engineer, you will develop solutions for the thermal control systems of the Dragon spacecraft, ensuring they maintain environmental control and support life onboard. This role includes design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of fluid system elements integral to the spacecraft's mission.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Be responsible for a portion of the thermal control systems aboard the SpaceX Dragon space capsule, including both in-house fabricated as well as vendor supplied components

Perform CAD modeling and structural analysis of elements of the thermal control system

Perform systems engineering tasks and fluid analyses

Work with interdisciplinary customers to ensure the component will meet the requirements of avionics, GNC, mission operations, etc

Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable; work with the production team to ensure a smooth transition to a reliable manufacturing process that has minimal sustaining engineering required

Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your own work

Qualification

CAD softwareFEA softwareThermal control systemsFluid handling systemsHeat transferStructural analysisGeometric dimensioningProactive problem-solvingTeam collaborationCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

5+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages

5+ years of hands-on experience driving the design and development of mechanical components or systems

Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Ability to travel to remote sites as needed

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

Preferred

Master's degree in an engineering discipline

First principles understanding of heat transfer and thermodynamics; ability to perform simple hand calcs, etc

Hands-on experience with fluid (liquid and/or gas) handling systems, especially those on a spacecraft or launch vehicle

Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and design of experiment creation

Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems

Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information

Experience with NX

Solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis

Experience with structural analysis methods (hand calcs, FEMAP, ANSYS, NASGRO, etc.) in order to optimize hardware to strength requirements as well as to evaluate for life and fracture

Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, etc

Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers

Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work