Mechanical Designer - Automation & Controls, Starship Launch Pad

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.

MECHANICAL DESIGNER, AUTOMATION & CONTROLS (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is looking for controls designers to help make the next generation of launch pads a reality. This role will be focused on bridging the gap between system architecture and build – that is, developing electrical schematics, sizing conveyances, interfacing with fluids and mechanical components, detailed design of conduits and bracketry, and design of control panels. These systems will be involved in interfacing with the next generation of Starship vehicles, catching both stages, and reaching a rapid and automated flight cadence requiring no manual actions between launches.

RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation & controls engineers who architect the systems
• Perform conduit fill calculations and initial sizing of conveyances
• Create CAD models and drawings of conduits, control panels, bracketry, and related access provisions
• Perform basic structural analysis and use best practices to ensure designs are sufficiently robust for the challenging environment of the launch pad
• Translate designs into planning as the basis for install in the field
• Documentation of designs as well as best practices

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience using CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) to design and model mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Familiarity with design of weldments and sheet metal structures
• Experience using EPlan
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79 codes
• Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments or IEC equivalence
• Capable of solving problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
• Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].