Launch & Test Engineer, Fluids (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. LAUNCH & TEST ENGINEER, FLUIDS (STARSHIP) Aggressively-paced, constantly-evolving, results-focused, real-as-it-gets engineering positions available for the ambitious. We design, build, activate, modify, improve, and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that launch the most powerful rocket in the world. You can plan on having your skills put to the test, having hardware you designed, made, and installed the same day in a development-focused environment. From tens of 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 launch and test program both today and for the future. Responsibilities Analyze, design, and build systems that support critical rocket launches and testingCradle-to-grave project ownership through hosting design reviews, project decision justification, equipment procurement, and coordination and assistance of the construction of your ideasDesign modular hardware capable of being manufactured at volume for future launch sites across the worldApply interdisciplinary engineering skills in fields of system-level process design and initial sizing, detailed pressurized fluid and thermal analysis, structural engineering, materials and component selection and cost/schedule optimizationWork directly with technicians and support groups to build your designs, and fix real-world problems on the flyMaintain a tight feedback loop with the launch operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight deadlinesActivate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives and iterate system maintenance strategies to reduce future downtimeHands-on approach to tackling daily field projects necessary to keep the company launching rockets Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies) Preferred Skills And Experience Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, take initiative, and communicate effectivelyAbility to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environmentWillingness to perform other related duties for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environmentExperience with quick-thinking and problem solving in stressful situationsExperience solving challenges posed by short deadlinesStrong fundamental intuition of fluid and/or structural/mechanical systemsCreativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratchGeneral hands-on experience; machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques is a plusExperience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, verification against an analytical model3+ years of mechanical, fluids, or thermal design experience in an industrial setting or equivalentExperience with high pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and componentsExperience producing drawings for fabricationCollaborative team player, eager to find the best solution while balancing cost and scheduleAcute attention to detail, ability to see interactions with other systems to avoid problemsIntermediate skill level using CAD (NX a plus)Ability to verify designs with simplified hand calculations; experience in FEA or CFD is a plusAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) piping and pressure vessel design experienceCreative and passionate approach to addressing opportunities and challenges, and an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive can-do attitudeExcellent written and verbal communication skills Additional Requirements Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launchesAbility to pass Air Force background check for Cape CanaveralAbility to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is requiredAbility to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.Ability to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noiseWorking conditions may be in tight quarters and physical dexterity is requiredAbility to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over handAbility to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassistedAbility to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) 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.