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.

NAVAL ARCHITECT  (MARINE OPERATIONS)RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and architect recovery engineering high-level design concepts and present for approval
• Design systems and create fabrication drawings
• Interface with external entities such as ABS, NASA or the Coast Guard
• Use your well-rounded technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations
• Perform detailed mechanical analysis, design, and create drawings for new rocket recovery concepts and support vessels
• Estimate concept costs
• Work with design engineers, field engineers, and technicians to ensure requirements, deliverables, budgets and dates are met
• Assist during dry docking of vessels, when needed
• Assist offshore recovery testing and operations, when needed

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering
• Professional experience using parametric CAD package (NX and/or Solidworks) to model parts, assemblies and generating drawings
• Professional experience using Stability software such as GHS, Maxsurf or AutoHydro/AutoLoad
• At least two years of total experience in one or a combination of the following:
• Involvement with an outside-the-classroom project team designing and building marine vessels or mechanical structures in a marine environment
• Professional experience designing and analyzing marine vessels or mechanical structures in a marine environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Structural and mechanical design competency
• Prior experience in a marine environment and/or with marine vessels
• Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
• Professional experience using a high-end hydrodynamics analysis software package(s) to estimate vessel motions (Ansys AQWA, and/or Maxsurf Motion)
• Professional experience using a CFD analysis software package(s) (Simerics, Star-ccm, and/or ANSYS Fluent)
• Previous experience generating RAOs and dynamic and static stability analyses

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing
• Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces
• Must be comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO)
• Willing to work with hazardous materials (hypergols)
• Must be able to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Must be able to work at elevated heights (up to 300 feet), including the use of ladders
• Must be able to climb up and down stairs regularly throughout the day
• Able to work in confined spaces
• Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• When necessary, must be willing to work long hours and weekends to support launch and critical project timelines
• Ability to work on offshore vessels for extended durations without access to emergency services normally available on shore
• Must pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:          

Pay range:       

Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year       Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.