Structural Engineer (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.

STRUCTURES ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Structures Subassemblies Build team is responsible for creating rapidly manufacturable assemblies for Starship and the Super Heavy Booster. The products built by the team range from the Transfer Tube, Landing Tanks, Grid Fins, Thermal Protection Subassemblies, and many other assemblies that go all over the rocket! Ownership of the builds includes developing the tooling and processes required to build them. As a structures build engineer, you partner with design teams from the earliest phases, ensuring manufacturability and overseeing hardware production throughout its lifecycle. On the production line, you collaborate with production technicians from the initial development article through rate production, driving and implementing meaningful changes to parts, processes, planning, and tooling to improve the overall production system. Given the scale and breadth of this team's products, structures engineers significantly influence the vehicle's design, equipment, and factory infrastructure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with vehicle analysts and design teams to ensure solutions meet vehicle design and manufacturing process requirements.
• Develop production procedures and manage the transition of primary structures and assemblies from the development phase to high-rate production.
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems, machinery, and tooling needed to meet hardware delivery 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 & 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 an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
• Involvement in a professional engineering society or collegiate design project
• Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
• Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
• Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
• Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
• Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware typically is built 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
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.