Mechanical Engineer - Starship Welding Engineering

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.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER – STARSHIP WELDING ENGINEERING

SpaceX is committed to developing innovative manufacturing methods for future launch vehicles and spacecraft. Working directly in the Materials Engineering group, this position will primarily support manufacturing and development of SpaceX’s Starship launch vehicle in Boca Chica, Texas alongside a strong group of build and welding engineers. The goal of the team is to investigate, test, and develop new joining and inspection methods. You will spearhead new product/process introduction and will be entrusted with full ownership of your project from development, testing, qualification and production integration. You employ a ground up fundamental physics approach to problem solving and thrive in a creative, collaborative and ‘start-up’ environment in which the best ideas change company level direction on a regular basis.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with team lead to support 10+ members responsible for welding and inspection processes on Starship
• Act as technical decision maker and advisor to the team, often making high-level strategic decisions on the go as it relates to mechanical systems and weld processes
• Deliver unique solutions enabling high quality, precision, and fast welding operations to the build site through aggressive research, development and hands-on testing
• Working alongside the team lead, effectively organize, assign and track multiple projects for the team, ensuring schedule and deadlines are met
• Drive process development to produce quality products and facilitate novel solutions enabling and promoting a high paced, competitive environment.
• Work closely with vehicle design, analysis and manufacturing teams at SpaceX headquarters to ensure solutions meet the intended requirements while ensuring the fastest path to flight
• Influence supporting groups at build sites through strong engineering/business rationale and data allowing for rapid iterations and process improvements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Materials, or Welding)
• 5+ years of professional experience directly in the field of aerospace or mechanical engineering
• CAD and drafting experience with NX or other similar software packages
• Experience with at least one commercial FEA package (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, or ANSYS)

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems
• Strong skillset in managing large engineering and production groups
• Good fundamental understanding of laser beam welding, plasma arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding as well as stainless steel weld metallurgy.
• Experience interpreting non-destructive testing results of welded assemblies in an effort to drive improved process capability.
• Robot programming experience of automated weld processing cells.
• Hands-on experience in various forms of welding and fabrication
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
• Tooling design experience for welded assemblies to reduce part distortion and improve part consistency.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant/extended periods (up to 50%)
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends as necessary to accommodate manufacturing and test campaigns

ITAR Requirements:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.