Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms

About the role

Become a vital member of the Crew Starship team, where you will contribute to the development of innovative hardware for the Human Landing System. This system is designed to facilitate human exploration of the moon and support future missions to Mars. Your responsibilities will encompass the entire lifecycle of spacecraft mechanisms, starting from the initial concept and design phase all the way through testing and integration for flight.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design, analyze, and manufacture critical mechanisms and structures intended for long-duration space missions and landings, which may include solar arrays, landing gear, and lunar elevators.
• Perform hand calculations and utilize finite element analysis to enhance and validate mechanical designs, ensuring they meet rigorous standards.
• Oversee the project timeline, managing all phases from the early development stages through to production, launch, and recovery operations.
• Lead internal design reviews while collaborating with external partners, including NASA, to ensure alignment and integration of project goals.
• Conduct trade studies to effectively balance performance metrics, cost considerations, safety protocols, and scheduling demands.
• Continuously iterate on manufacturing processes and testing methodologies within a dynamic and fast-paced environment to optimize outcomes.
• Document design processes and results thoroughly to maintain clear communication and records for future reference.
• Mentor junior engineers and interns, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is essential.
• At least 1 year of experience in mechanical design and analysis, which can include internships or relevant extracurricular projects.
• Familiarity with mechanical design principles and the ability to apply them in practical scenarios.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions based on that analysis.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey technical information.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice to have

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis, ideally within the aerospace or aviation sectors.
• Experience with structural mechanisms and an understanding of the unique challenges associated with aerospace applications.
• Proficiency in design software such as Siemens NX, Ansys, or Abaqus, which are critical for simulation and analysis tasks.
• A solid understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure precision in design specifications.
• Experience working in high-pressure, entrepreneurial engineering environments that require quick thinking and adaptability.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to guide project teams effectively and drive initiatives to successful completion.
• Knowledge of structural failure modes and the ability to make data-driven decisions to mitigate risks.

Skills & tools

• Mechanical design and analysis
• Structural analysis techniques
• Conducting trade studies
• Siemens NX for CAD modeling
• Ansys for finite element analysis
• Abaqus for advanced simulations
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) expertise

Practical notes

• Candidates must comply with ITAR regulations, meaning you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Flexibility in working hours is required, including the possibility of extended hours and weekends during critical phases of projects.
• Occasional travel to other SpaceX facilities may be necessary to support project needs and collaboration efforts.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace engineering, contributing to groundbreaking missions that will shape the future of human space exploration. If you are passionate about mechanical engineering and eager to tackle complex challenges in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to make life multi-planetary!

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.