Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (Starship)

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.

SENIOR BUILD ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Build Engineer role is responsible for taking design-for-manufacturability concepts through to integration and testing of the full vehicle. Build Engineers will be deeply involved in the primary and secondary structures of Starship and Super Heavy, including the design of tooling (assembly aids, welding fixtures, part fixturing, etc.) and the development of processes for welding, large part movement, and major structure integration. This role will rapidly develop early versions of the vehicles and later transition into integration operations sequencing and the installation of flight-critical hardware. Throughout the program, Build Engineers will document processes and drive continuous improvement for future builds. Engineers in this role will also be expected to act as de facto technical supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled trades.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work closely with vehicle analysts and the design team to ensure hardware meets both vehicle design requirements and manufacturing process constraints

Develop production procedures and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production

Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of tooling and systems required to meet hardware deadlines

Identify and implement design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements to increase production efficiency

Create original CAD models and drawings for flight hardware and tooling

Serve as the primary on-site design engineering point of contact for efficient build and assembly of parts and vehicle systems

Create and maintain build schedules

Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies, working closely with the Quality team on issues related to design, fabrication, and assembly

Participate in design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers

Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles

Provide technical direction and support to vendors; assist in sourcing and qualifying new suppliers

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Engineering Physics

Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead

5+ years of professional engineering experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience working on SpaceX vehicles or builds

Strong experience with GD&T

Experience with large steel structure fabrication and assembly (civil, naval, aerospace, or heavy mechanical)

Experience leading the mechanical design of operationally critical hardware, including structures and basic structural analysis

Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Experience developing, maintaining, and improving welding processes

Experience with process development, facility/line layouts, and error-proofing (poka-yoke)

Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter (CAD and PLM systems)

Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

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 performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Flexibility to travel to remote build sites, up to 10%

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day

Walk: Up to 1 hour per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description

Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

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 .