Structural Engineer (Starship) - job 1 of 3

As a Structural Engineer at SpaceX, you will be involved in various responsibilities including collaborating with vehicle analysts and design teams, developing production procedures, and managing the transition of structures from development to high-rate production. You'll also participate in resolving manufacturing discrepancies, maintaining build schedules, and leading on-site engineering efforts.

To qualify for the Structural Engineer role at SpaceX, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and at least one year of engineering experience in manufacturing or production. For preferred qualifications, a Master's degree in fields like mechanical or aerospace engineering and experience with large mechanical assemblies, DFMA, and aerospace production are beneficial.

A successful Structural Engineer at SpaceX should possess skills in CAD software for mechanical design, knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, and experience with transitioning complex products into high-volume production. Additionally, strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work in tight quarters are essential.

The role of a Structural Engineer at SpaceX is crucial for advancing the company's mission to explore the cosmos. By designing and constructing key components for Starship and the Super Heavy Booster, engineers ensure efficiency in production while enhancing the overall vehicle design, which ultimately supports the quest for human life on Mars.

The work environment for a Structural Engineer at SpaceX involves collaborating closely with various teams in a high-energy atmosphere. Engineers typically work in areas that may require physical dexterity and adaptability due to tight spaces and exposure to industrial elements, fostering a dynamic and engaging workplace.

To answer effectively, detail a specific project where you collaborated with design teams. Highlight your approach in integrating manufacturability during initial designs, including any tools or processes you utilized to mitigate potential production issues.

Discuss your experience with specific CAD software relevant to structural design. Share an example of a project where you created detailed models, how those models aided in production efficiency, and any challenges you overcame during the design process.

Provide a clear narrative of a situation where you encountered a manufacturing issue. Explain the steps you took to analyze the problem, collaborate with quality teams, and implement a resolution that improved future production processes.

Demonstrate your time management skills by discussing prioritization techniques you employ. Mention any tools or methods you use to keep track of tasks and deadlines, and give an example of a time you successfully balanced competing project timelines.

Elaborate on your strategies, such as conducting regular design reviews and feedback sessions with teams, ensuring that testing and validation processes align closely with design specs, and utilizing analytical tools to monitor production closely.

Share your perspective on the essential factors such as clear communication among teams, thorough documentation, and the ability to anticipate challenges in scaling production. Real-life examples can strengthen your response.

Discuss your methods for creating build schedules, including assessing project timelines, resource allocation, and potential bottlenecks. Providing a concrete example where you developed a successful schedule can enhance your answer.

Explain your criteria for vendor selection, focusing on technical capabilities, previous experience, and reliability. Mention how you assess potential vendors to ensure they can meet the specific demands of aerospace projects.

Share your approach to problem-solving under pressure, including how you would quickly assess the situation, convene relevant teams, and implement a workaround while communicating with stakeholders.

Articulate your passion for aerospace and discuss specific aspects of SpaceX's mission that resonate with you. Sharing personal experiences and how they align with SpaceX's goal to make life multi-planetary can illustrate your dedication.