Mechanical Engineer (Crew Starship) - job 1 of 2

As a Mechanical Engineer at SpaceX focusing on the Crew Starship, your responsibilities include owning the design and development of structures, mechanisms, or interior systems, performing calculations and analyses, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and leading design reviews to ensure safety and effectiveness of the spacecraft. You will also be responsible for project timelines from the initial design stage through to production, launch, and recovery.

To qualify for the role of Mechanical Engineer at SpaceX, a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is essential. Additionally, you should have at least one year of experience in mechanical design and analysis, although more experience is preferred. Familiarity with aerospace systems, project leadership experience, and knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) will also enhance your candidacy.

SpaceX is committed to the professional development of its Mechanical Engineers. Opportunities for growth include participating in challenging projects that push the envelope in design and technology, access to innovative tools and resources, and collaboration with leading experts in aerospace engineering. The company also supports continued education and offers competitive compensation packages that reflect your expertise and contributions.

Preferred skills for a Mechanical Engineer in the Crew Starship team include strong analytical abilities, experience with aerospace structures, mechanisms design, proficiency in NX software, and a solid understanding of human spacecraft systems. Effective communication skills and the ability to make data-driven recommendations under ambiguous conditions are also highly valued.

Yes, to comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants for the Mechanical Engineer position at SpaceX must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. Ensuring eligibility to acquire necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State is also essential for this role.

When answering this, emphasize specific projects you've worked on that relate to aerospace or advanced engineering. Discuss design principles, constraints unique to space exploration, and how your work contributed to safety and performance.

Detail the steps in your validation process, such as simulations, prototypes, or FEA analysis. Mention any tools or methodologies you employ and how they ensure the integrity and functionality of the final product.

Illustrate your organizational strategies, such as using project management tools, maintaining clear communication within teams, and adapting to project changes while ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Share a specific example showcasing your negotiation skills, the criteria you considered, and how you balanced cost, performance, and safety requirements to reach a favorable outcome.

Discuss your communication style and methods for engaging with professionals from different disciplines, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, listening, and leveraging diverse expertise for successful outcomes.

List the specific software you are familiar with, such as NX, and describe how you've used these tools in past projects to improve design accuracy and efficiency.

Provide examples of how you actively seek out feedback, utilize it to refine your work, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement while maintaining a positive attitude.

Discuss the unique challenges of space hardware design such as weight constraints, harsh environmental conditions, and safety considerations, indicating your awareness of industry standards and practices.

Highlight a specific challenge, your methodical approach to problem-solving, and the steps you took to resolve it, showcasing not just technical abilities, but also creativity and resilience.

Express your passion for space exploration, your admiration for SpaceX’s mission and innovations, and how your skills and values align with the vision of advancing humanity's reach into the universe.