Test Stand Design & Build Engineer (Structures/Fluid Systems)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. TEST STAND DESIGN BUILD ENGINEER (STRUCTURES/FLUID SYSTEMS) SpaceX is looking for engineers to support the development and production testing of Starship/Raptor, Falcon, and Dragon engine and vehicle hardware in McGregor, TX. This is a fast-paced, hands-on, constantly evolving, real-as-it-gets engineering position available for the ambitious. We design, build, activate, modify, and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that power, restrain, and measure the most powerful high-volume rocket engines in the world. In this dynamic environment, you can expect your engineering skills to be put to the test and the hardware you designed to be built and installed the very same day. From thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens to tens of pounds per second of high-pressure gas, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding test program both today and in the future. We have open positions ranging from entry-level to very experienced engineers to add value to the SpaceX mission. RESPONSIBILITIES: Analyze, design, and build systems that support testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various rocket components Drive cradle-to-grave ownership of engineering projects through design reviews, decision justifications, equipment procurement, and coordination/participation in the construction of your ideas Work directly with skilled technicians to build your designs and fix real-world problems on the fly Maintain a tight feedback loop with the test operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight testing deadlines critical to company success Operate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve testing objectives, and apply lessons learned to iterate system designs for improved performance and maintenance Evaluate complex engineering needs and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that support test programs and achieve company objectives Take a hands-on approach to tackling rapidly-emerging field projects that keep the company testing rocket engines and vehicles every single day BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or other engineering discipline 1+ years of hands-on design or build experience (professional work, internships, clubs, or other engineering activities qualify) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Strong fundamental understanding and intuition for fluid, structural, or mechanical systems Critical thinking and problem solving in stressful, dynamic situations Positive responses and outcomes to challenges posed by short deadlines Hands-on build—machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques are a plus Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch Driven approach to addressing challenges and opportunities—an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive, can-do attitude Determining the best solution among several options, often balancing cost/schedule/complexity Acute attention to detail, and ability to see interactions with related systems to avoid problems Instrumentation and testing, data review and analysis, verification of models against reality High-pressure or cryogenic fluid systems and components Complex structural or mechanical systems and components Design verification with simplified hand calculations and complex modeling—FEA or CFD is a plus Production of fabrication drawings for parts to be machined or welded Intermediate skill level using CAD—Siemens NX is a plus ASME piping and pressure vessel design Excellent written and verbal communication skills 3+ years of engineering design experience in an industrial setting or eq ... (truncated, view full listing at source)