Mechanical Engineer, Falcon Launch Systems

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 ENGINEER, FALCON LAUNCH SYSTEMS

As a member of the Falcon Launch team, you will work with a group of engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, activate, and maintain infrastructure that will enable our accelerating manifest of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy commercial, crew and Starlink launches. This team is responsible for delivery and maintenance of mechanical systems to support this effort. This position is based in Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop mechanical and fluid ground systems for the Falcon 9 vehicles including launch pad, piping or fluid storage
• Perform structural analysis of components and systems
• Use your well-rounded technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations
• Demonstrate complete end to end project ownership in support of successful testing and implementation of the hardware you design
• Coordinate with engineers from other disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, controls, etc.) to establish a complete system design

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with designing and building mechanical and/or fluid systems (internship experience and/or classroom projects qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience using a CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, ProE, Solidworks)
• Experience using FEM software to perform structural analysis (e.g. ANSYS, FEMAP)
• Familiarity with welded structures, welding processes and fluid systems
• Familiarity with standard process equipment (piping, piping components, valves, pumps)
• Familiarity with various manufacturing techniques and machine tools (e.g. welding, mill, lathe, waterjet, plasma)
• Previous experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Passion for hands on work when needed to enable project completion

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Space Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
• Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    
Launch Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    
Launch Engineer/Level II: $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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.