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SpaceX · 1 week ago

Launch Engineer, Mechanical

Texas, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

1+ years exp

SpaceX is a pioneering aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company focused on enabling human life on Mars. The Launch Engineer, Mechanical will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining mechanical systems that support rocket launches and testing, ensuring efficient and effective operations in a fast-paced environment.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Analyze, design, and build systems that support critical rocket launches and testing

Cradle-to-grave project ownership through hosting design reviews, project decision justification, equipment procurement, and coordination and assistance with the construction of your ideas

Design modular hardware capable of being manufactured at volume for future launch and test sites across the world

Apply interdisciplinary engineering skills in fields of system-level process design and initial sizing, detailed structural engineering, pressurized fluid and thermal analysis, materials, and component selection, and cost/schedule optimization

Utilize finite element method (FEM) software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP) and rigorous hand calculations to facilitate design and issue disposition

Work with vehicle engineers to understand requirements and develop systems from conception

Work directly with technicians and support groups to build your designs, and fix real-world problems on the fly

Maintain a tight feedback loop with the launch operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight deadlines

Activate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives and iterate system maintenance strategies to reduce future downtimes

Independently evaluate complex problems and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that best support the program

Hands-on approach to tackling daily field projects necessary to keep the company testing and launching rockets

Qualification

Mechanical engineeringFluid systems designStructural analysisFinite element analysisCAD softwareWelding techniquesCryogenic systemsProblem-solvingTeam collaborationCommunication skillsAttention to detailCreativity

Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering field

1+ years of professional experience designing, building, or troubleshooting fluid or mechanical systems (internships and college competition team count)

Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required

Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc

Ability to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Working conditions may be in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand

Ability to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

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 to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

Preferred

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment

Willingness to perform other related duties to ensure an efficient and effective work environment

Experience with quick thinking and problem-solving in stressful situations

Experience solving challenges posed by short deadlines

Strong fundamental intuition of structural/mechanical systems

Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch

General hands-on experience with machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques is a plus

Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, verification against a model

3+ years of mechanical and/or fluids/thermal design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent

Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems and weldments

Experience with high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and components

Experience producing drawings for welders and machine shop fabrication

Collaborative team player, eager to find the best solution while balancing cost and schedule

Acute attention to detail, ability to see interactions with other systems to avoid problems

Intermediate skill level using CAD (NX a plus)

Ability to verify designs with simplified hand calculations; experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a plus

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) piping and pressure vessel design experience

Creative and passionate approach to addressing opportunities and challenges, and an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive can-do attitude

Excellent written and verbal communication skills