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Mechanical Engineer, Non-Destructive Evaluation Verified today

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA · Production · first seen 2026-07-16
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NDE Engineer

This mechanical engineer role sits within the NDE Engineering organization. You will interface across multiple business groups to develop and support state-of-the-art inspection solutions and advanced data analysis to deliver manufacturing process improvements and ensure flight reliability.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver advanced nondestructive evaluation inspection solutions
  • Design, prototype, and implement nondestructive sensor systems to solve manufacturing quality problems
  • Interface with vehicle engineering across all programs to align on inspection requirements, feasibility, part design for inspectability, method selection, and data interpretation
  • Prototype early inspection development and bench-top validation to reduce risk for new technologies
  • Interface with vendors, tooling, and automation groups to define requirements and manage projects through delivery
  • Support nondestructive automation initiatives, increased probability of detection, reduced cycle time, right-first-time manufacture, and defect reduction
  • Develop technology in emerging nondestructive methodologies
  • Support NDE specialists with development, qualification, and deployment of new inspection processes including gauge R&R and POD studies, documentation and training
  • Present risk and performance analysis to cross-functional teams including executives
  • Manage priorities and support multiple projects simultaneously
  • Define integration test plans for hardware products or software features aligned with program timelines
  • Drive cross-functional design and analysis discussions with electrical, software, manufacturing, and vehicle design teams
  • Develop data collection and analysis pipeline at all project stages
  • Understand and debug hardware and software interactions during design, launch, and deployment
  • Use field data to improve NDE system design and performance

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, physics, or computer science
  • 1+ years of hands-on technical engineering experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline
  • Knowledge of NDE techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, digital radiography testing
  • Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and mathematical optimization
  • Understanding of hardware and software development and validation processes
  • Familiarity with JIRA or similar task tracking systems
  • Knowledge of automation including robotics
  • Software and automation coding experience: LabVIEW, Python, C#, SQL
  • Ability to multitask across technology development, project management, and training from R&D through full-volume production
  • Experience with problem solving tools such as Practical Problem Solving and 8D

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed
  • Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally using scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts
  • Ability to pass Space Force / Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
  • Ability to travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed, up to 25%

Compensation

Pay range:

  • NDE Engineer Level I: $100,000 to $115,000 per year
  • NDE Engineer Level II: $110,000 to $135,000 per year

Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of total rewards. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan discounts. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave accrual meets or exceeds legal requirements.

ITAR Requirements

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