Build Engineer, Integration and Catch Tower (Starship) at SpaceX
Brownsville, TX, 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.
BUILD ENGINEER, INTEGRATION AND CATCH TOWER (STARSHIP)
The integration and catch tower will redefine ground support systems for launch vehicles as we know it, with the ultimate goal being to launch, catch, and relaunch orbital boosters in hours or days instead weeks or months. The Build Engineer role covers design for manufacturability concepts through integration and testing of the full tower. You will be highly engaged on the primary and secondary structures of the tower, including designing tooling (assembly aides, welding, part fixturing, etc.) and processes (welding, large part movement, large structure integration) to rapidly build early versions of the tower. Further along in the build this you will be responsible for items such as integration operations sequencing and working with technicians on installing flight-critical hardware on the tower. Throughout the build, you will be responsible for documenting processes and driving continual improvement to them for future builds. Furthermore, Build Engineers will be expected to sometimes act as de-facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work closely with analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for tower design as well as the manufacturing processes
Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to production
Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
Create and maintain build schedules
Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication and assembly)
Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
Partner with engineering & production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
Source, retain and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
2+ years of manufacturing design experience (student project team and internship experience are applicable)
2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering
2+ years of experience with GD&T concepts
Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
Experience with large steel structure construction (civil, naval, or mechanical)
Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including basic structures calculations and design considerations
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
Process development, facility and line layouts, error-proofing
Experience with Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter CAD and PLM systems
Detailed knowledge of Siemens NC or similar CAD and PLM packages
Prior experience with developing, maintaining and improving welding processes
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
Flexibility to travel to other SpaceX sites (
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.
