NDE Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX

About The Position

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. NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) Engineers ensure the structural integrity and reliability of Starship's primary structure, components, propulsion systems, and subassemblies through innovative inspection technologies. At Starbase, you will utilize advanced NDE techniques, including phased-array ultrasonics, radiography, eddy-current testing, and laser profilometry, to improve manufacturing processes. You will seamlessly integrate these methods with automated systems to enable high-rate production, drive optimizations, and ensure mission success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
1+ years of hands-on technical engineering experience (internship and school projects experience qualify)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline
Knowledge of a variety of NDE techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, digital radiography testing, etc
Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and mathematical optimization
Understanding of hardware and software development and validation process
Familiarity with JIRA or similar task/feature tracking systems
Knowledge of automation, including robotics
Experience with software and automation coding (Labview, Python, C#, SQL)
Ability to multitask, from developing technologies, project management, and training people throughout the introduction of multiple productive solutions, from inception and R&D to full-volume production
Experience with problem solving tools and techniques: Practical Problem Solving, 8D etc

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver advanced nondestructive evaluation inspection solutions
Design, prototype, and implement nondestructive sensor systems to solve manufacturing quality problems
Interface with vehicle engineering across all programs to align on inspection requirements and capabilities, feasibility, designing parts for inspectability, inspection method selection, interpretation, and evaluation of data
Prototype early inspection development and bench-top validation to reduce risk for new technologies
Interface with vendors, tooling and automation groups to define requirements, manage projects through to delivery
Support targets and goals such as nondestructive automation initiatives, increased probability of detection, reduced cycle time, right first-time manufacture/assembly, and indication/defect reduction
Develop technology in emerging nondestructive methodologies
Support NDE specialists with development, qualification and deployment of new inspection processes (gauge R&R, PODs) including documentation and training
Be able to present risk/performance analysis and recommendations to cross-functional teams including executives
Manage priorities and support a host of projects simultaneously
Define integration test plans for hardware products or software features with integration milestones that align with the program timeline
Drive cross-functional nondestructive design and analysis discussions with electrical, software, manufacturing, and vehicle design teams
Develop data collection and analysis pipeline at all stages of the project
Understand and debug hardware and software interactions during design, launch, and deployment
Use field data to improve design and performance of NDE systems