Thermal Control and Life Support Hardware Engineer

About the role

This position is centered on the demanding design and production of critical hardware for the Crew Starship, which is also identified as the Human Landing System. You will own the development cycle for systems that sustain human life and regulate thermal environments for lunar surface operations, Mars transit, and future exploration endeavors. The role requires direct accountability for air distribution, water reclamation, waste management, fire suppression, and thermal control subsystems. You will translate mission requirements into robust engineering solutions that survive the harsh conditions of space and repeated use. Collaboration with cross-functional teams ensures that life support and thermal systems integrate seamlessly with the broader Starship architecture. Success in this role depends on your ability to manage projects from initial concept through production, launch, and ongoing operations while maintaining rigorous reliability standards. You will be responsible for ensuring that every component is manufacturable and performs flawlessly when it matters most.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Engineer air distribution subsystems that maintain safe and breathable environments inside crew modules and habitats.
• Develop water reclamation hardware to recover and purify water for life support, hygiene, and secondary uses.
• Design waste management systems that handle human and processing waste in microgravity and partial gravity conditions.
• Create fire suppression and detection technologies tailored to the unique atmosphere of spacecraft and planetary surfaces.
• Optimize thermal control hardware to manage extreme temperature swings between shadow and direct sunlight in space and on planetary bodies.
• Lead projects from initial concept sketches through detailed design, qualification testing, production ramp-up, and operational support.
• Partner with avionics and software teams to ensure that sensors, controls, and feedback loops function as a unified system.
• Liaise with external suppliers and NASA customers during design reviews to validate requirements and resolve technical issues.
• Drive rapid development testing cycles to iterate quickly on prototypes and refine manufacturing processes for scalability.
• Maintain strict accountability for hardware reliability, safety, and manufacturability throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in an engineering or science field from an accredited institution.
• Possess a minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience with fluid systems, mechanical systems, or environmental control components.
• Demonstrate relevant experience through internship roles or project team work in demanding technical environments.
• Pass Air Force background checks necessary for access to Cape Canaveral and related secure facilities.
• Commit to working extended hours, including nights and weekends, to align with mission milestones and launch windows.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where safety and precision are non-negotiable.
• Adhere to strict documentation and engineering notebook standards required for audits and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain eligibility for U.S. government security clearances as dictated by ITAR-controlled projects and responsibilities.

Nice to have

• Hold a Master degree in an engineering discipline to deepen technical expertise and specialization.
• Show proficiency in NX and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) for precise mechanical definitions.
• Apply structural analysis skills using hand calculations, ABAQUS, or ANSYS to predict performance under load.
• Understand machining, welding, brazing, and tube bending processes to evaluate manufacturing feasibility.
• Leverage experience with rotating machinery and material selection to ensure fluid compatibility and durability.
• Conduct trade studies using first principles to evaluate competing design options and optimize solutions.

Skills & tools

• NX for parametric modeling and detailed part and assembly design.
• ABAQUS for advanced simulation of mechanical and thermal behaviors.
• ANSYS for structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics analysis.
• GD&T to communicate precise geometric requirements and tolerances clearly.
• Fluid system design to handle liquids, gases, and multiphase flows under varying conditions.
• Structural analysis to verify integrity under mechanical, thermal, and vibration loads.

Practical notes

• This position is subject to U.S. government export regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
• SpaceX is an equal opportunity employer. Requests for reasonable accommodations or access to the Affirmative Action Plan can be directed to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.