Mechanical Design Engineer (Propulsion Components)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Mechanical Design Engineer (Propulsion Components) at SpaceX is responsible for the design, troubleshooting, and flight readiness of critical propulsion components for the Falcon 9 and Dragon vehicles. This role involves working on advanced electromechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems that are essential for the operation of reusable launch vehicles. The engineer will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex problems, optimize designs for extreme conditions, and ensure the reliability and performance of components that support SpaceX's ambitious launch schedule.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, develop, and ensure flight readiness of valves, regulators, and actuators on the Falcon 9 and Dragon vehicles.
• Support, troubleshoot, and document component anomalies at build, test, or launch sites.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on valve and vehicle investigations.
• Generate detailed drawings and coordinate valve manufacturing with the production team.
• Generate and maintain component specifications.
• Develop and execute qualification test plans to ensure readiness for flight, including vibration, shock, thermal cycle, life cycle, and flow testing.
• Spearhead root cause investigations and redesigns to improve reliability or production rate.
• Certify hardware for crewed flight and repeated reuse through testing and analysis.
• Present and clearly communicate analysis and test results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems through professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Enthusiasm for problem solving and optimizing rocket production and launch processes.
• Master's degree or 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Experience designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Understanding of fundamental principles in fluid systems and solid mechanics.
• Strong project management skills and effective communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Hands-on experience with fluid and/or gas handling 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, actuators, motors, valves, regulators, or other fluid control devices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Access to various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.
• 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.