Fluid/Structural Systems Engineer

FLUID/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

SpaceX is seeking new Test Equipment Engineers to support the development and production testing of Starship, Falcon, and Dragon engine and vehicle hardware in McGregor, TX. This is a fast-paced, hands-on, constantly-evolving, real-as-it-gets engineering position available for the ambitious. We design, build, activate, modify, and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that power, restrain, and measure the most powerful high-volume rocket engines in the world. In this dynamic environment, you can expect your engineering skills to be put to the test and the hardware you designed to be built and installed the very same day. From thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens to tens of pounds per second of high-pressure gas, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding test program both today and for the future. We have open positions ranging from entry level to very experienced engineering for adding value to the SpaceX mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze, design, and build systems that support testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various rocket components
• Drive cradle-to-grave ownership of engineering projects through design reviews, decision justifications, equipment procurement, and coordination/participation in the construction of your ideas
• Work directly with skilled technicians to build your designs and fix real-world problems on the fly
• Maintain a tight feedback loop with the test operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight testing deadlines critical to company success
• Operate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve testing objectives, and apply lessons learned to iterate system designs for improved performance and maintenance
• Evaluate complex engineering needs and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that support test programs and achieve company objectives
• Take a hands-on approach to tackling rapidly-emerging field projects that keep the company testing rocket engines and vehicles every single day

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or electrical engineering
• 1+ years of hands-on design or build experience—professional work, internships, clubs, or other engineering activities qualify

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong fundamental understanding and intuition for fluid, structural, or mechanical systems
• Critical thinking and problem solving in stressful, dynamic situations
• Positive responses and outcomes to challenges posed by short deadlines
• Hands-on build—machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques are a plus
• Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch
• Driven approach to addressing challenges and opportunities—an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive, can-do attitude
• Determining the best solution among several options, often balancing cost/schedule/complexity
• Acute attention to detail, and ability to see interactions with related systems to avoid problems
• Instrumentation and testing, data review and analysis, verification of models against reality
• High-pressure or cryogenic fluid systems and components
• Complex structural or mechanical systems and components
• Design verification with simplified hand calculations and complex modeling—FEA or CFD is a plus
• Production of fabrication drawings for parts to be machined or welded
• Intermediate skill level using CAD—Siemens NX is a plus
• ASME piping and pressure vessel design
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• 3+ years of engineering design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take individual initiative, and communicate effectively to peers, leadership, and customers
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a fast-paced, challenging work environment
• Willingness to perform other related duties for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
• Availability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
• Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed—flexibility 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
• Ability to lift heavy objects unassisted—up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work at elevated heights with proper PPE—up to 300 ft.
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed—heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
• Ability to work in environments with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Working conditions may be in tight quarters—physical dexterity is required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Fluid/Structural Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Fluid/Structural Engineer/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.