Structures Design Engineer (Falcon) - job 1 of 2

As a Structures Design Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX, you will be responsible for designing metallic structures and propulsion fluid systems, developing mechanical systems by reviewing engineering specifications, and updating designs through engineering change orders. Your work will contribute directly to the rapid development of SpaceX's Falcon program, ensuring the successful design and flight of their spacecraft.

To qualify as a Structures Design Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX, you need a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and at least one year of mechanical design experience, which could include internships or personal projects. Familiarity with 3D CAD software, strong understanding of GD&T, and hands-on experience with hardware design projects are highly preferred.

Essential skills for a Structures Design Engineer (Falcon) include proficiency in 3D CAD software like NX or Solidworks, a solid grasp of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups, and the ability to manage large assembly models and drawings. Additionally, good communication and teamwork skills are crucial, as you will work closely with various teams including technicians and engineers.

Working as a Structures Design Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX means being part of a dynamic and fast-paced environment in Hawthorne, CA. You will collaborate with a team of engineers and technicians, tackling complex challenges in aerospace design. SpaceX encourages a culture of innovation and problem-solving, making it an exciting place to further your career.

At SpaceX, the career trajectory for a Structures Design Engineer (Falcon) is promising, with potential paths leading to senior engineering roles and leadership positions. As you gain experience and showcase your contributions to the Falcon program, opportunities to lead projects or mentor junior engineers may arise, allowing you to play a key role in the future of space exploration.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you utilized 3D CAD software like NX or Solidworks, discussing how you used these tools to create detailed component and assembly drawings while considering design specifications and constraints.

Share a systematic approach to managing your time effectively, such as breaking tasks into smaller components, assessing their deadlines, and adapting your strategy as necessary. Use examples from previous experiences to demonstrate your ability to succeed under pressure.

Describe your process for verifying design accuracy, including techniques such as peer reviews, adherence to GD&T principles, and utilizing simulation tools to validate your designs against real-world scenarios. Mention any tools or practices that aid in your assessments.

Discuss a specific instance where you received constructive criticism, emphasizing your openness to feedback, your process for making necessary revisions, and how you ultimately improved the design. Effective communication about adjustments is key.

Provide a detailed account of a particularly challenging project where you encountered obstacles, the steps you took to overcome these challenges, and the final results. Highlight teamwork and problem-solving skills throughout.

Discuss how you learned and effectively applied GD&T principles in your previous work, including specific examples where tolerance stack-ups were crucial to your designs. You can also mention any software tools you used for this purpose.

Share a story showcasing your collaborative skills, detailing how you communicated with team members, resolved conflicts, and worked towards a common goal. Emphasize the importance of contributing to a team effort for the success of the project.

Mention your strategies for keeping informed about industry advancements, whether through professional organizations, online courses, engineering journals, or networking with peers. Your commitment to continuous learning can set you apart.

Share techniques you utilize to keep your models and drawings organized, such as naming conventions, version control, and systematic file management. Your ability to efficiently navigate complex projects highlights your expertise.

Convey your passion for engineering and aerospace, alongside your admiration for SpaceX’s missions and values. Tailor your response by referencing specific aspects of the Falcon program that resonate with you and how you envision contributing to their goals.