Principal Mechanical Engineer (Starship)

About the Role

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to enable human life on Mars. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer on the Starship team, you will lead the design and development of mechanical systems and components critical to the success of the program.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of mechanical systems and components for Starship, including structures, mechanisms, and vehicle hardware, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and mass targets.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in mechanical designs, manufacturing methods, and integration processes to enhance vehicle capability and production efficiency.
• Plan and conduct testing and validation of new mechanical designs, hardware, and modifications to verify compliance with safety, performance, and environmental requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to cross-functional teams on mechanical system design, integration, and operation throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
• Lead or contribute to mechanical engineering projects from concept through qualification and flight, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and technical objectives.
• Stay informed about aerospace industry standards, codes, and regulations, and ensure that designs and hardware comply with relevant requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, drawings, and documentation related to design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and 8+ years of professional experience.
• 7+ years of experience leading teams to produce engineering products.
• Must be available to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to support critical milestones or operations shifts.
• Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX offices and customer locations as needed, up to 25%.
• 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 Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• Professional experience working with launch vehicles, space vehicles, command and control systems, and/or ground/space sensor systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with direct experience negotiating technical deliverables or scope.
• Significant experience leading cross-functional teams and working with external customers and systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) representatives.
• Significant experience leading and performing quantitative system of systems architecture trades and development.
• Experience working with government or commercial spacecraft entities.
• Highly detail oriented, diligent, and hardworking.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.