Mechanical Designer, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad) Verified today

Mechanical Designer, Automation & Controls (Starship Launch Pad)

The Starship Tower and Launch Mount team is looking for a mechanical designer to develop the next generation of launch pad systems. You will focus on bridging system architecture and detailed build: developing electrical schematics, sizing conveyances, interfacing with fluids and mechanical components, designing conduits and bracketry, and laying out control panels. These systems interface with next-generation Starship vehicles, catch both stages, and enable rapid automated flight cadence with no manual actions between launches.

Your responsibilities

• Detail electrical schematics in collaboration with automation and controls engineers
• Perform conduit fill calculations and initial sizing of conveyances
• Create CAD models and drawings of conduits, control panels, bracketry and access provisions
• Perform basic structural analysis to ensure designs are robust for the challenging launch pad environment
• Translate designs into field installation planning
• Document designs and best practices

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering
• 2+ years 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 weldments and sheet metal structure design
• 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
• Ability to solve problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or team member
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in fast-paced, demanding iterative design and manufacturing environments

Additional requirements

This role may require extended hours, weekend work and shift schedules varying with site operational needs. You must be flexible and physically capable of:

• Standing up to 6 hours per day
• Sitting up to 6 hours per day
• Walking up to 10 hours per day
• Climbing ladders and stairs up to 10 hours per day
• Pushing and pulling up to 50 lbs unassisted for 15 minutes or less per day
• Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs unassisted for 15 minutes or less per day
• Overhead reaching up to 3 hours per day
• Kneeling and crouching up to 3 hours per day
• Upper body twisting up to 3 hours per day
• Working in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or greater per day
• Safely working at heights up to 500 feet, in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator and operating heavy equipment and machinery

You must be capable of safely performing all physical requirements listed above. SpaceX may require a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

ITAR requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.