Sr. Starship Engineer - Temporary

STARSHIP ENGINEER - TEMPORARY POSITION

The Build Engineer role is responsible for design for manufacturability concepts through integration and testing of the full vehicle, and everything in between. Build Engineers will be highly engaged on the primary and secondary structures of the vehicle, including designing tooling (assembly aide, welding, part fixturing, etc.) and processes (welding, large part movement, large structure integration) to rapidly build early versions of the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. 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. Throughout the build, engineers will be responsible for documenting processes, and driving continual improvement to them for future builds. Furthermore, Build Engineers will be expected to sometimes act as de-facto supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled labor partners. Build Engineers will spend time both in the office and on-site (local production floor and remote build sites) to execute on the mission to build an orbital-capable Starship and Super Heavy faster than anyone though possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with vehicle analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
• Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high rate production
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
• Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
• Create and maintain build schedules
• Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication and assembly)
• 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 
• Source, retain and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective

POSITION DETAILS:

This is a temporary position with SpaceX, for the length of time as stated, and is subject to change with minimal notice as business needs dictate.

• LENGTH OF POSITION: 3 months
• LOCATION: Brownsville, TX
• SHIFT: 1st shift

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or engineering physics
• Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead
• 2+ years of manufacturing design experience (student project team and internship experience counts)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering
• 2+ years of experience with GD&T concepts
• Previous experience working on SpaceX vehicles or builds 
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
• Experience with large steel structure construction (civil, naval, or mechanical)
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including basic structures calculations and design considerations
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
• Process development, facility and line layouts, error-proofing
• Experience with Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter CAD and PLM systems
• Detailed knowledge of Siemens NC or similar CAD and PLM packages
• Prior experience with developing, maintaining and improving welding processes
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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