SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

THERMAL HARDWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a Thermal Hardware Engineer position on the Starship Engineering team. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to rapidly design, build, and integrate novel systems required for mass production of Starship. At Starbase you will have the opportunity to work in an exciting and dynamic environment where you will split your time between the office and the production floor to ensure mission success.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Responsible for developing the novel heat shield, production, integration and test methodologies for Starship
• Execute the design and development of advanced processes including but not limited to, bonding, welding, part movement, structural integration, and test of critical flight hardware
• Responsible for testing, technical troubleshooting, risk assessment, resource management, operations planning
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for technicians manufacturing the heat shield and other engineers to ensure a tight communications loop
• Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
• Partner with engineering & production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of manufacturing or design experience (internship or project team experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or other engineering discipline
• Experience operating or programming robotic systems   
• Hands-on experience with CNC, lathe, or other deductive manufacturing hardware
• Experience with 3D printing or other additive manufacturing methodologies
• Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead
• Experience with new process development and continuous improvement
• Experience putting lean manufacturing principals into practice
• Experience managing complex projects with challenging schedules
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Hands on fabrication experience, general shop skills
• Experience fabricating, repairing, or integrating ceramics or composite ceramics
• Ability to perform basic structural and design considerations by hand
• Knowledge of drafting and GD&T
• Fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based analysis

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Ability to work at elevated heights (10’ to 185’+)
• Ability to use various types of hand tools or hand-held power tools

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.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.