RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop state-of-the-art, manufacturable explosive devices and robust hardware integration designs (system controllers, electronic safe and arm devices, destruct charges, and integrated detonators) for the Starship and Super Heavy stage Flight Termination System
Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries
Validate reliability of hardware and designs with rigorous testing in shock, vibration, thermal cycling, climatic and live fire testing
Design experiments to ground analysis, develop fixturing, and create technical reports based on results
Partner with manufacturing, production, testing, and supply chain to achieve SpaceX’s highest-yet component build rate, striving for high factory yield and automotive volume/cost. Accelerate component delivery to >1 full stacked launch vehicle per month
Generate and maintain detailed drawings, component specifications, analysis and risk assessments
Spearhead root cause investigations that arise in development, production, test, integration and launch, implement corrective actions to prevent repeat failures
Set the standard for highly reliable component design and qualification testing to strict regulatory standards
Achieve zero in-flight anomalies of flight termination system components
Reduce component-caused production and launch delays, and minimize containments
Act as the chief engineer, collaborating with stage, avionics, and flight safety teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the vehicle
Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of experience in mechanical design and/or hands-on manufacturing (internships and project teams qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving, and desire to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes
1+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both
Experience with LSDYNA/ANSYS, BlastX, CHEETA, and/or Hydrocode
Master's degree or 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Experience designing, building, testing and troubleshooting mechanical systems
Strong project management skills and effective communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams
Hands-on experience with high voltage, electronics, or explosives
Leadership experience on a project or research team
Experience using test instrumentation and control components (e.g. pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays, solenoid valves, etc.)
Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, actuators, motors, or explosives
Understanding of fundamental principles of explosives, solid mechanics, and dynamics
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
Must be willing to handle and test high explosive devices
Must be willing and able to obtain ATF explosives clearance
Must be willing to travel (< 25%)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay range
- Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year
- Level II: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
