Manufacturing Engineer (Merlin Thrust Chambers) at SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA, United States
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.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (MERLIN THRUST CHAMBERS)
As a Manufacturing 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 work on launch vehicles and spacecrafts that deliver satellites into earth orbit, ferry humans to and from the international space station, and ultimately extend humanity's reach beyond the earth and moon. You will be a vital part of the relationship between our development and production teams. You will provide input into the design and development of new and existing hardware and take a lead role in manufacturing and integration processes on our current and next generation vehicles.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for the build and inspection process of the Merlin M1D and MVAC thrust chambers which includes manufacturing processes such as TIG welding, EB welding, NDT, pressure testing, industrial automation, and other specialized operations
Develop, qualify, and refine manufacturing processes to meet all design and business requirements including safety, quality, efficiency and delivery
Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve large-scale production challenges.
Work with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability, then implementation in a rapidly-evolving production environment
Resolve product non-conformances and collaborate with the quality team to investigate root cause and implement corrective actions
Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to the meet volume production demand
Develop and refine floor layouts, capacity models, and product flow analysis to ensure on-time vehicle delivery to manifest
Develop tooling, test, and automation solutions enabling high quality and rapid delivery of SpaceX hardware
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical, materials, or industrial engineering
2+ years of professional engineering experience in manufacturing (internships will be considered)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, machining, bonding and/or automation
Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, engineering, fluid dynamics and mechanics of materials
Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis through 3D CAD software (NX & Teamcenter)
Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Experience with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA)
Experience transition complex products from RND to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
Experience with industrial automation and/ or large-scale-industrial machinery
Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
Involvement in a professional engineering society OR collegiate design project
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
This is a hands-on position that may require standing for up to 4 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor
Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when necessary
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
