Starship Engineer, Structures

STARSHIP ENGINEER, STRUCTURES

SpaceX is committed to developing revolutionary space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket – collectively referred to as Starship – represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship is the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tons fully reusable and 250 metric tons expendable. Starship engineer will develop SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft, solving complex problems relating to Ship, Booster, primary and secondary structures, thermal protection systems, aerodynamic control surfaces, stage separation systems, recovery systems, and more!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own primary and secondary structures on Starship
• Design flight hardware to achieve ascent, entry, and rapid reuse of next generation launch vehicle 
• Develop design criteria where definition is lacking
• Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs
• Incorporate design for manufacturing principles and supervise first article builds
• Balance operational needs across vehicle systems while optimizing for development speed, mass and cost
• Design and execute qualification testing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis (competition team or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with at least one commercial FEA or multiphysics simulation package (e.g. NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS)
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Experience in selecting materials and manufacturing methods for mechanical components
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (i.e. Python, Matlab, Excel)
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary           

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:      

Pay range:      
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 – $115,000.00/per year   
Mechanical 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.