Propulsion Build Engineer (Starship)

Job description

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.

PROPULSION BUILD ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Propulsion Build Engineer role is responsible for developing build processes, tooling, and designs for manufacturability that will enable high rate manufacturing of vehicle fluid systems. This role will involve heavy engagement with both the design teams and the build teams across the program. The role demands close interaction with the Starship and Super Heavy hardware, including participating in and driving the physical builds and installation of the propulsion systems.

Propulsion Build Engineers will be highly engaged in the fabrication of a wide range of pressurized components and systems, including designing tooling (assembly aide, welding, part fixturing, etc.) and processes (welding, tube bending, pipe fitting, large part movement, and large structure integration) to rapidly build the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. The role can include designing pressurized test setups, working with cryogenic fluids, and executing testing and data review. Further along in the build, this role will be responsible for items such as integration operations sequencing, and working with technicians on installing flight-critical hardware on the vehicle. Propulsion Build Engineers will be expected to sometimes act as de‑facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop manufacturing processes, techniques, and tools to enable efficient and high rate manufacturing

Work with the design engineering team to drive simplicity into the vehicle fluids systems at every level

Guide a team of technicians, welders, and fabricators in building high quality and functional fluid systems hardware

Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines

Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components

Create and maintain build schedules

Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers

Partner with engineering & production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next‑generation vehicles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

Hands‑on project experience with fluid and/or mechanical systems

1+ years of manufacturing design experience (internship and academic experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

2+ years of experience with GD&T concepts

Experience with fluid mechanics, incompressible and compressible flow, and heat transfer

Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)

Experience with mechanical design, including basic structures and fluids calculations and design considerations

Process development, facility and line layouts, error‑proofing

Experience with Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter CAD and PLM systems

Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages

Prior experience with developing, maintaining, and improving welding processes

Experience with automated and manual welding processes for piping and structural applications

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand

Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Flexibility to travel to remote build sites, up to 10%

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.

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