Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Become a vital member of the Starship Components Manufacturing team, where you will be responsible for the design and testing of hardware components for the Starship and Super Heavy launch vehicles. Your primary focus will be on enhancing production lines for flow control devices and actuators that must function under extreme thermal and pressure conditions. This role is critical in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of components that are essential for the success of SpaceX's ambitious missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and refine manufacturing processes for critical components such as regulators, valves, and actuators used in flaps or gimbals.
• Streamline production workflows by identifying and eliminating unnecessary steps, while integrating automation where feasible.
• Collaborate with internal manufacturing teams and external suppliers to ensure that parts are designed for optimal production efficiency.
• Create, update, and maintain detailed assembly instructions, while also monitoring defect rates and the status of various parts throughout the production cycle.
• Perform a variety of functional tests, including but not limited to leak tests, proof tests, cryogenic assessments, and fluid flow evaluations.
• Analyze production yield challenges to identify and rectify workmanship defects, ensuring high-quality output.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate progress, challenges, and solutions with other engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Document and report on testing results and production metrics to inform continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics is required.
• At least one year of practical experience in manufacturing or mechanical design, which may include internships or project work.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing tools and techniques, as well as a solid understanding of mechanical principles.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to facilitate collaboration across teams.
• A proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions in a timely manner.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in a leadership or mentoring role, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• A track record of delivering new components on schedule and within budget constraints.
• Knowledge of electromechanical systems and fluid components, including motors, sensors, gear trains, and valves.
• Understanding of key principles in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, material science, and electrical circuit design.
• Capability to interpret engineering drawings, fluid schematics, and circuit layouts accurately.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, or C# to support automation and data analysis efforts.

Skills & tools

• Mechanical design expertise
• Development of manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of fluid systems
• Experience with electromechanical systems
• Proficient in root cause analysis techniques

Practical notes

The compensation structure for this role is divided into two tiers: Level 1 offers an annual salary ranging from $95,000 to $115,000, while Level 2 provides a salary between $110,000 and $130,000. In addition to base salary, the total rewards package includes stock options, long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and more than ten paid holidays annually. Candidates should be prepared for the possibility of extended hours and weekend work as necessary, along with potential travel to other facilities and vendor locations. It is essential for applicants to meet ITAR requirements, which stipulate that candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees.

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.