Build Engineer (Starship Heat Shield) at SpaceX
Cape Canaveral, FL, 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 (STARSHIP HEAT SHIELD)
The Build Engineer role is responsible for taking a design from concept though integration and validation on the launch vehicle, and everything in between. Build Engineers on the Starship thermal hardware team will be highly engaged with the integration of the thermal heat shield and all associated structures and hardware. Their responsibilities will include designing tooling (assembly, welding, bonding, fixturing, validation, etc.) and processes (bonding, welding, part movement, structural integration) to rapidly build early versions of the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. This role will be responsible for technical troubleshooting, risk assessment, resource management, and operations planning and will be the primary technical point of contact for a team of technicians manufacturing flight-critical hardware on the launch vehicle. Throughout the build, this engineer will be responsible for maintaining schedules, documenting processes, and driving continual improvement for future builds. Furthermore, Build Engineers are expected to sometimes act as de-facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners. They will spend time both in the office and on-site (local production floor and remote build sites) to execute on the mission to build an orbital-capable Starship and Super Heavy faster than anyone thought possible.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work closely with vehicle analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high rate 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, manufacturing engineering, or other engineering discipline
2+ years of manufacturing or design experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience designing and building fluid systems
Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead
Experience with new process development and continuous improvement
Experience managing complex projects with challenging schedules
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Hands on fabrication experience, general shop skills
Experience fabricating, repairing, or integrating ceramics or composite ceramics
Ability to perform basic structural and design considerations by hand
Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter
Knowledge of drafting and GD&T
Fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based analysis
Experience putting lean manufacturing principals into practice
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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 in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
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.
