Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer (Starship Components)

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. MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (STARSHIP COMPONENTS) The Propulsion Components team develops the most advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components in the world. Our engineers serve as hardware experts for the flow and position control devices that drive the critical capabilities on the Starship/Super Heavy Vehicle- from regulators and butterfly valves to flap actuators. We design, develop and characterize components for simplicity, manufacturability and reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 800 K, and pressures beyond 800 bar. As a Propulsion Components 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 own the relationship between our vehicle hardware/systems teams and manufacturing teams while spearheading your own projects, utilizing your skills in analysis, development testing, and mechanical design. You will provide input into vehicle architecture trades and take a lead role in design and flight readiness on Starship, the vehicle that will make humanity multi-planetary. RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop state-of-the-art, manufacturable flow control devices (valves, regulators, solenoids) and mechanisms (flap/fin/payload door actuators) across Starship and Super Heavy stage systems. Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries Partner with manufacturing, production, testing, and supply chain to achieve SpaceX’s highest-yet component build rate, striving for high factory yield and automotive volume/cost. Accelerate component delivery to >1 full stacked launch vehicle per month Generate and maintain detailed drawings, component specifications, analysis and risk assessments Spearhead root cause investigations that arise in development, production, test, integration and launch, implement corrective actions to prevent repeat failures Set the standard for rigorous component design and qualification testing, increasing scrutiny as the vehicle matures in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions Target zero in-flight anomalies of propulsion components. Reduce component-caused production and launch delays, and minimize containments Act as the chief engineer, collaborating with stage/component teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the vehicle. Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline 5+ years of mechanical design/hands-on manufacturing experience (internships and project teams qualify) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving, and desire to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes 5+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both Master's degree or 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering Experience designing, building, testing and troubleshooting mechanical systems Strong project management skills and effective communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams Hands-on experience with fluid, gas, or high voltage systems Leadership experience on a project or research team Experience using test instrumentation and control components (e.g. pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays, solenoid valves, etc.) Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, gear trains, actuators, mo