SpaceX Mechanical Engineer (Structures) at SpaceX responsible for structural design and delivery of Starship production infrastructure. Work includes design, analysis, and integration of large-scale steel structures and tooling.
Responsibilities
Lead the structural design of Starship production infrastructure of varying scales from smaller tooling fixtures and jigs to assembly line support structures and entire factory buildings/bays
Perform structural analysis and design of steel, concrete, composite, and similar materials under static, dynamic, vibration, and handling loads using hand calculations and finite element analysis
Develop and review structural drawings, connection details, fabrication packages, and erection/assembly sequences for complex structures and tooling
Partner with manufacturing, operations, facilities, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fluids, and construction teams to integrate structural systems with production equipment, cranes, material handling, and operational requirements
Support fabrication and construction activities, including review of shop drawings, weld procedures, and resolution of field issues during installation and integration
Drive design decisions that balance performance, cost, schedule, and constructability for high-volume production environments
Manage scopes through the full project lifecycle — from concept and preliminary design through detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, and turnover
Interface with external engineering firms, consultants, fabricators, and construction contractors to ensure designs meet SpaceX standards and are executed to specification
Perform project control functions including scheduling, budgeting, and risk management
Resolve conflicts in the field in real time and implement rapid design changes when required
Own end-to-end delivery of projects with extreme ownership, ensuring on-time and on-budget performance
Qualification
Experience with structural detailingHands-on experience with fabrication
Required
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, structural engineering, or aerospace engineering
1+ years of professional experience in structural design or analysis of steel structures, areo-structures, heavy industrial equipment, or large-scale mechanical systems
Preferred
Proven ability to manage multiple projects, think critically, and drive successful outcomes
Strong background in structural design of large systems/assemblies using carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other commonly used structural materials
Experience designing or analyzing structures for various load cases including dynamic loads, vibration, heavy lifting, or material handling environments
Proficiency with structural analysis/FEM software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, FEMAP, NASTRAN, ETABS or equivalent)
Proficiency with 3D modeling tools Siemens NX and/or Revit
Experience with structural detailing, fabrication drawings, and application of GD&T for structures and tooling
Hands-on experience with fabrication, welding, heavy lift planning, or steel erection
Demonstrated ability to own projects from concept through build and commissioning
