Mechanical Engineer (Starship Avionics)

About the role

The Starship team supports the mission to revolutionize orbital flight and space travel, opening access for humankind to establish new frontiers in space and ultimately become a multi-planetary species. Our team builds some of the most advanced electronics ever flown in space, at a cost and rate previously considered unthinkable in the space industry. Specifically, the Starship avionics team is responsible for designing a Starship avionics system that is optimized for high reliability at a low mass and cost.

Responsibilities

• Design custom instrumentation for extreme thermal, dynamic and pressure environments
• Design integrated product solutions for fluid and electro-mechanical assemblies
• Participate in the manufacturing line, being hands on with processes including pressure testing, thermal testing, laser welding and more
• Perform thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis for mechanical assemblies using both hand calculations and finite element analysis
• Participate in initial mechanical design, 3D modeling, creation of production drawings and maintenance of design data
• Conduct failure analysis of components as it relates to thermal, loads, vibration and shock
• Interface with machine shops and production teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals
• Lead design reviews internally and participate in reviews with suppliers and partners

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or electrical engineering
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis (internships and student project experience qualifies)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• Proficient and frequent use of hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD)
• Exposure to high volume production designs with a focus on design for manufacturability
• Exposure to designing for high vibration environments and high pressure environments
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes
• Working knowledge of thermal and structural FEA studies
• Experience with fatigue and thermal testing of electro-mechanical assemblies
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout

Additional Requirements

• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones

Pay range

Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $160,000.00/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.