Mechanical Engineer (Falcon) 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.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER (FALCON)
The Falcon team tackles space exploration's toughest problems through the ongoing development of our reusable launch vehicles, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. These vehicles are currently responsible for delivering commercial, national security, and NASA satellites into orbit, as well as vital cargo and science payloads to the ISS. In addition, Falcon sent the first astronauts to the ISS on an American-made rockets since the retirement of the Space Shuttle and launched the world's first all-civilian orbital mission. These vehicles are instrumental in extending humanity's reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
As a Falcon mechanical engineer, you will spearhead the design of numerous structures, fluid systems, and components that must withstand extreme loads and the harsh environment of space. You will own hardware through the product life cycle and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases. You are especially strong in analysis and employ a ground-up, fundamental physics approach to problem solving. You have strong technical and interpersonal skills and you thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change company-level direction on a regular basis.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Full ownership of primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and/or fluid systems for our Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.
Use hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds internal and customer requirements.
Lead design reviews and hardware qualifications.
Serve as technical interface with suppliers and customers.
Own the hardware delivery timeline and success through inception, design, assembly, launch and re-use.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
Experience with CAD and FEA software packages (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting).
Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
Experience with NX/Teamcenter designing parts and assemblies.
Experience with at least one commercial FEA or multiphysics simulation package (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, CFD codes, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.).
Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, Excel, etc.).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs.
Willingness to travel in support of hardware test and launch.
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.
