Structural Engineer, Structural Test

About the role

Become a vital member of the Starship Structural Test team at SpaceX, where you will help push the boundaries of the Starship's primary structure. This position requires both independent contributions and leadership in the technical aspects of designing and constructing large-scale steel and reinforced concrete systems. Your work will involve creating structures that can withstand flight-like loads on Starship test articles, with an emphasis on innovative, rapid, and cost-efficient solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Utilize your technical knowledge to design, analyze, and fabricate large composite steel and concrete structures, ensuring they meet rigorous standards.
• Work closely with vehicle and test engineers to conceptualize test structures, taking into account boundary conditions, load paths, and overall stiffness.
• Oversee the planning of fabrication processes and provide on-site support during the construction of the structures you design.
• Conduct thorough evaluations and simulations to validate the performance of structural designs under various load conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate structural designs with other engineering disciplines, ensuring seamless execution of projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation of design processes, analyses, and test results for future reference and compliance.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design methodologies and construction techniques.
• Participate in safety assessments and ensure that all structural designs adhere to safety regulations and industry standards.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is essential.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in engineering composite steel and concrete structural systems for large-scale applications such as buildings, bridges, or test systems.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees due to ITAR regulations.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software and tools is required.
• Strong understanding of material properties and behavior under various loading conditions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• An advanced degree in aerospace, civil/structural, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience with nonlinear structural analysis techniques for steel and concrete systems is a plus.
• Possession of a Structural Engineering (SE) or Professional Engineering (PE) license is advantageous.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Steel Construction Manual, American Concrete Institute (ACI) code 318, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, and International Building Codes (IBC) is beneficial.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in using ETABS, SAP2000, S-Concrete, ANSYS, and FEMAP for structural analysis and design.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Effective communication skills to convey technical information clearly to team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while also being self-motivated.

Practical notes

• The work environment may expose you to fumes, odors, and noise, requiring adherence to safety protocols.
• Flexibility in your schedule is necessary to accommodate site operational needs, which may vary.
• Physical demands of the role include standing or sitting for up to 6 hours daily, pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs unassisted for short durations, and overhead reaching for extended periods.
• You should be prepared to walk for up to 10 hours daily, lift or carry up to 25 lbs unassisted, and climb ladders or stairs frequently.
• The ability to kneel or crouch for several hours and perform upper body twisting is also required.
• Candidates must be capable of working in high temperatures (over 80 degrees) for extended periods and at heights up to 500 feet.
• Working in confined spaces and operating heavy machinery is part of the job, and a pre-employment physical or questionnaire may be necessary to confirm your ability to meet these physical requirements.

Join SpaceX and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in aerospace engineering while working in a dynamic and innovative environment. Your expertise will play a crucial role in the future of space exploration.