Mechanical Engineer, Launch Mount/Tower (Starship)

SpaceX • Starbase, TX, TX

9h

About The Position

As a mechanical engineer, you will develop the Starship Tower, Launch Mount, and test stands from system architecture through design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, activation, and operations. You will design welded structures, large-scale mechanisms, electromechanical and fluid-power actuators, and hydraulic and cryogenic systems that support stage testing, vehicle stacking, propellant loading, T-0 release, catching both stages, and rapid safing for reflight. In a program built on fast iteration, the launch mount and tower team’s goal is a zero-refurbishment pad that can launch one vehicle and be ready to launch again immediately.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience with CAD and FEA software packages.
• At least 1 year of experience with mechanical or fluid systems design, analysis, and hands-on assembly; internship or project team experience qualifies.
• Physical dexterity to work on tower and launch mount hardware, typically built in tight quarters at high elevations.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
• Ability to safely work at heights up to 500 feet and in confined spaces; use an air-purifying respirator; operate heavy equipment and machinery; and perform the listed physical demands.
• Must meet U.S. export authorization requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• At least 2 years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a lead.
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T and manufacturing techniques.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems and weldments.
• Self-motivated, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive hardware development for systems within the Starship tower, launch mount, and test stands from basic architecture through design, analysis, scheduling, manufacturing, activation, and operational phases.
• Own the design and manufacturing of mechanisms, actuation systems, fluid systems, and large structures.
• Perform structural, dynamic, thermal, and fluid analysis as necessary to determine requirements and optimize system designs.
• Work with software and operations engineers to develop concepts of operations for launch mount systems, aiming for robust, fault-tolerant systems and software that operate reliably in the extreme and varying conditions of a launch environment.
• Collaborate with engineers designing the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles to determine how the tower, launch mount, and vehicle can work together effectively.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level