Sr. HVAC Design Engineer
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. This role involves design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of fluids system elements for some of the world’s most technically advanced manufacturing facilities.
About the role
As a member of the construction and infrastructure team, you will be the subject matter expert on all HVAC, compressed air, piping, dust collection, and other critical fluid systems at HQ. You will design, build, and activate advanced systems, working with interdisciplinary teams to support production, avionics, GNC, mission operations, and other SpaceX programs. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.
Responsibilities
- Own and serve as the subject matter expert on fluid/HVAC components across campus, including compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and dust collection systems.
- Perform CAD modeling and design of fluid and HVAC systems.
- Perform fluid analyses for pressure balance, component design allowable, and consumables determination.
- Work with interdisciplinary customers to ensure components meet the requirements of production, avionics, GNC, mission operations, and other SpaceX programs.
- Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable; collaborate with the production team to transition designs into a smooth, sustainable manufacturing process.
- Support material selection, sizing, and procurement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of professional experience working with fluids components such as valves, pumps, COPVs, compressors, heat exchangers, pressure transducers, or temperature sensors.
- Willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- Hands-on experience with fluid (liquid and/or gas) handling systems.
- Experience using data acquisition equipment, test instrumentation, and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays.
- Experience with HVAC systems and air ducting.
- Experience with NX or other CAD packages, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994 and tolerance stack-up analysis.
- Experience with structural analysis methods to optimize hardware for strength, life, and fracture evaluation.
- Experience with pressurized structures and/or lightweight aerospace structures.
- Ability to work independently.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Paid parental leave.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with stock discounts.
- 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year.
- Paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.
- Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or cash awards.
- Potential discretionary bonuses.
- Various discounts and perks.
Pay
Level 3: $135,000.00 - $190,000.00. Your actual level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.