SpaceX · 4 hours ago
Mechanical Design Engineer (Starship Components)
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$95K/yr - $130K/yr
1+ years expSpaceX 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. The Propulsion Components team develops advanced spacecraft and launch vehicle components, and the Mechanical Design Engineer will design, develop, and characterize components for flow control devices and mechanisms, ensuring high performance and reliability in extreme conditions.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop state-of-the-art, manufacturable flow control devices (valves, regulators, solenoids) and mechanisms (flap/fin/payload door actuators) across Starship and Super Heavy stage systems. Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries
Partner with manufacturing, production, testing, and supply chain to achieve SpaceX’s highest-yet component build rate, striving for high factory yield and automotive volume/cost. Accelerate component delivery to >1 full stacked launch vehicle per month
Generate and maintain detailed drawings, component specifications, analysis and risk assessments
Spearhead root cause investigations that arise in development, production, test, integration and launch, implement corrective actions to prevent repeat failures
Set the standard for rigorous component design and qualification testing, increasing scrutiny as the vehicle matures in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions
Target zero in-flight anomalies of propulsion components. Reduce component-caused production and launch delays, and minimize containments
Act as the chief engineer, collaborating with stage/component teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the vehicle. Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
1+ years of mechanical design/hands-on manufacturing experience (internships and project teams qualify)
Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed
Able to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed
Preferred
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving, and desire to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes
1+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both
Master's degree or 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Experience designing, building, testing and troubleshooting mechanical systems
Strong project management skills and effective communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams
Hands-on experience with fluid, gas, or high voltage systems
Leadership experience on a project or research team
Experience using test instrumentation and control components (e.g. pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays, solenoid valves, etc.)
Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, gear trains, actuators, motors, valves, regulators, or other fluid and position control devices
Understanding of fundamental principals in fluid systems and solid mechanics
Benefits
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law
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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