MECHANICAL ENGINEER (COMPONENTS BUILD ENGINEER STARSHIP)
The Starship Components Manufacturing team assembles, tests, troubleshoots, and delivers flow control devices and mechanisms that drive critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy - from regulators and butterfly valves to flap/fin actuators. We design and build valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900F to -400F and pressures beyond 10,000 psig. As a mechanical engineer at SpaceX, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will introduce innovative products to the factory, evolve shop layout and capabilities, implement flight-like testing, solve nuanced root cause investigations, and exercise the algorithm to achieve SpaceX's highest-yet component build rate.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design the factory and process to deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality flow control devices (valves, regulators) and mechanisms (flap/fin/gimbal motor actuators) for Starship and Super Heavy
Question assembly/test requirements, delete parts and manufacturing processes, simplify/optimize production flow, accelerate production, and cut-in targeted automation
Implement linear production flow, visual indicators of bottlenecks/stock-outs, and product-specific build/test cells for low-intervention production
Work closely with development and design engineers, internal machine shops, and external vendors to make parts that are designed for manufacturability
Maintain robust but simple work instructions and track defects/part movement in a lightweight and scalable manner
Implement flight-like acceptance testing
Support component level testing such as proof and leak, fluid flow, cryogenic and functional checkouts
Solve production yield investigations
Target zero workmanship defects and minimize fleet containments
Increase factory scrutiny as the products mature in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
1+ years of mechanical design/hands-on manufacturing experience (internships and project teams qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Leadership or mentorship experience and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels in the organization (technicians, engineers, exec team)
Experience in build/test development and on-time delivery of new components
Experience working with fluid and electromechanical components such as valves, actuators, regulators, motors, gear trains, and sensors
Knowledge of principles of fluid dynamics, mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits
Proficient in interpretation of fluid schematics, engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts lists
Experience in software development in SQL, Python or C#
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed
Available to work long hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range: Level 1: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year Level 2: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.