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.

BUILD ENGINEER, THERMAL HARDWARE (STARSHIP)

The thermal hardware team leads the charge developing the novel heat shield, production, integration and test methodologies for Starship. Full-cycle the build engineer will own tooling design and development of advanced processes including but not limited to, bonding, welding, part movement, structural integration, and test of critical flight hardware. Taking extreme ownership, you will be responsible for technical troubleshooting, risk assessment, resource management, operations planning and will be the primary technical point of contact for technicians manufacturing the heat shield and other engineers to ensure a tight communications loop. Furthermore, build engineers are empowered to sometimes act as de-facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners. At Starbase you will have the opportunity to work in an exciting and dynamic environment where you will split your time between the office and the production floor to ensure mission success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work closely with vehicle analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high rate production
Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware 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 mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or other engineering discipline
1+ years of manufacturing or design experience (internship or project team experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or other engineering discipline
Experience operating or programming robotic systems
Hands-on experience with CNC, lathe, or other deductive manufacturing hardware
Experience with 3D printing or other additive manufacturing methodologies
Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead
Experience with new process development and continuous improvement
Experience managing complex projects with challenging schedules
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Hands on fabrication experience, general shop skills
Experience fabricating, repairing, or integrating ceramics or composite ceramics
Ability to perform basic structural and design considerations by hand
Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter
Knowledge of drafting and GD&T
Fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based analysis
Experience putting lean manufacturing principals into practice

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
Work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Ability to work at elevated heights (10’ to 185’+)
Ability to use various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools

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.

Build Engineer, Thermal Hardware (Starship)