Pressure Vessel Engineer, Launch Systems (Starship) 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.
PRESSURE VESSEL ENGINEER, LAUNCH SYSTEMS
The Starship Launch Engineering team is looking for an individual who can design and implement pressure vessels for Starship launch sites, landing sites, test sites, production facilities and other locations, as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Help SpaceX develop rapid, reliable, and automated launch sites, landing sites, test sites, and production facilities
Design pressure vessels for storage on cryogenic oxygen, nitrogen, and methane, with a focus towards creative integrated design that drives innovation
Assess acceptability of solid structures using finite element analysis
Design welded structures in accordance with AISC or equivalent structural code
Perform code studies in compliance with ASME, API, NFPA and other regulations
Develop manufacturing process for fabrication of pressure vessels
Manage fabrication and installation of pressure vessels at launch facilities
Review performance data and troubleshoot issues that arise during fabrication and commissioning of pressure vessels
Coordinate with engineers from other disciplines (civil, structural, fluids, etc.) to establish a complete system design
Work closely with operational teams to ensure system design is well-understood and easy to operate long term
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical discipline
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), mechanical engineering, or materials engineering
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Advanced degree in mechanical engineering
High level knowledge of fracture mechanics and fatigue assessments
Strong classic mechanics background, familiarity with generating and deriving closed-form solutions to solid mechanics problems
Familiarity with the ASME VIII-1 pressure vessel design code
5+ years of hands-on experience working with pressure vessels in a professional setting or outside the classroom project team
PE license
Knowledge of ASME VIII-2
Experience performing fitness for service assessments per ASME FFS-1/API-579
Experience performing fatigue crack growth assessments using NASGRO or equal
Experience performing flexibility analysis per ASME B31.3
Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
Demonstrated ability to lead a team of talented and driven engineers
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willing to travel to other launch sites in support of build and operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
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.
