SpaceX · 2 days ago
Thermal Hardware Engineer (Starship Heat Shield)
Cape Canaveral, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
1+ years expSpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, and they are seeking a Thermal Hardware Engineer for the Starship Heat Shield Engineering team. The role involves designing, building, and integrating systems for the mass production of Starship Heat Shield tiles.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Responsible for engineering automated manufacturing systems utilizing in-depth knowledge of industrial mechanical and fluid systems
Utilize and acquire knowledge of mechanical, process, materials science, and automation controls to ensure the successful delivery of processes to production
Model industrial mechanical assemblies, fluid routing, and assemblies using CAD software
Create and release detailed manufacturing drawings, schematics, and work instructions for build and fabrication
Specify and down-select components, such as sensors, valves, pumps, machining hardware, and mechanisms, and provide detailed specifications for their purchase
Act as the technical point of contact for equipment/system vendors, ensuring deliverables meet system requirements and the delivery schedule is met
Own and drive system integration and activation schedules meeting tight deadlines
Ability to work in the field, alongside and leading skilled technician teams or contactors
Write procedures for system activation, manufacturing operations, and preventative maintenance
Support design, methodology, and implementation of control systems for heat shield material production by working closely with Automation and Controls team
Deliver innovative solutions to assigned areas of ownership under minimal supervision or direction
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or manufacturing engineering
1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)
Responsible for engineering automated manufacturing systems utilizing in-depth knowledge of industrial mechanical and fluid systems
Utilize and acquire knowledge of mechanical, process, materials science, and automation controls to ensure the successful delivery of processes to production
Model industrial mechanical assemblies, fluid routing, and assemblies using CAD software
Create and release detailed manufacturing drawings, schematics, and work instructions for build and fabrication
Specify and down-select components, such as sensors, valves, pumps, machining hardware, and mechanisms, and provide detailed specifications for their purchase
Act as the technical point of contact for equipment/system vendors, ensuring deliverables meet system requirements and the delivery schedule is met
Own and drive system integration and activation schedules meeting tight deadlines
Ability to work in the field, alongside and leading skilled technician teams or contactors
Write procedures for system activation, manufacturing operations, and preventative maintenance
Support design, methodology, and implementation of control systems for heat shield material production by working closely with Automation and Controls team
Deliver innovative solutions to assigned areas of ownership under minimal supervision or direction
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
50 hr work week is typical, and may vary depending on site operational needs, flexibility is required
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
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
Preferred
4+ years of experience working integration/design/build in high rate, high volume production environment
Hands-on experience working automated mechanical and machining/assembly systems in a professional setting
Demonstrated expertise in the design, build, operation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems
Demonstrated experience with GD&T and mechanical drafting
Experience using Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD software
Experience drafting and updating piping and instrumentations schematics
Experience using SQL or other similar data base systems
Familiarity with industrial control systems (such as PLCs)
Excellent written and oral communication, especially translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
Oman Observer
2026-01-25
legacy.thefly.com
2026-01-23
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