Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Starship Avionics)

$125,000 - $175,000/Yr

SpaceX - Brownsville, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Brownsville, TX

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Starship Avionics) position at SpaceX involves working within the Starship Avionics team, which is dedicated to designing an avionics system that is optimized for high reliability while maintaining low mass and cost. The role focuses on developing mechanical designs and packaging solutions that effectively protect electronic components from the extreme mechanical and thermal conditions experienced during launch vehicle operations. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the designs are not only innovative but also highly producible, meeting the rigorous demands of aerospace applications. In this role, the engineer will engage in various tasks including the design of packaging solutions for electro-mechanical assemblies, conducting thermal, structural, and tolerance analyses using both hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA). The position requires participation in the initial mechanical design phase, 3D modeling, and the creation of production drawings, as well as maintaining design data throughout the project lifecycle. The engineer will also perform failure analysis of components, focusing on thermal loads, vibration, and shock, ensuring that all designs can be produced in alignment with project goals. The engineer will own the hardware delivery timeline, overseeing the entire process from inception through design, assembly, testing, and integration. Leading design reviews internally and participating in reviews with suppliers and customers will be essential to ensure that structural designs meet both weight and rate targets. The role demands innovative approaches to design and manufacturing, particularly in high vibration environments, to ensure the reliability and performance of the avionics systems.

Responsibilities

• Design packaging solutions for electro-mechanical assemblies
• Conduct thermal, structural, and tolerance analysis for electro-mechanical assemblies using both hand calculations and finite element analysis
• Participate in initial mechanical design, 3D modeling, creation of production drawings and maintenance of design data
• Perform failure analysis of components as it relates to thermal, loads, vibration and shock
• Interface with machine shops and production teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals
• Own the hardware delivery timeline and success through inception, design, assembly, test, and integration
• Lead design reviews internally and participate in reviews with suppliers and customers
• Ensure structural designs are capable of both weight and rate targets using innovative design and manufacturing approaches

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• 5+ years of experience with mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis (internships and significant student project experience qualify)

Nice-to-haves

• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
• Proficient and frequent use of hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD)
• Exposure to high volume production designs with a focus on design for manufacturability
• Exposure to designing for high vibration environments
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes
• Working knowledge of thermal and structural FEA studies
• Experience with fatigue and thermal testing of electro-mechanical assemblies
• Solid understanding and application of GD&T (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN)
• Experience working with PCB designers and exposure to PCB layout
• Experience with structural and thermal analysis of rocket components

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
• Short & long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various discounts and perks
• Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation
• Eligibility for 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