Mechanical Engineer, Falcon Launch Systems

SpaceX
Vandenberg, CA$95k – $115kPosted 24 February 2026

Tech Stack

Job Description

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p><strong>MECHANICAL ENGINEER, FALCON LAUNCH SYSTEMS</strong></p> <p>As a member of the Falcon Launch team, you will work with a group of engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, activate, and maintain infrastructure that will enable our accelerating manifest of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy commercial, crew and Starlink launches. This team is responsible for delivery and maintenance of mechanical systems to support this effort. This position is based in Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA.</p> <p><strong>RESPONSIBILITIES</strong></p> <ul> <li>Design and develop mechanical and fluid ground systems for the Falcon 9 vehicles including launch pad, piping or fluid storage</li> <li>Perform structural analysis of components and systems</li> <li>Use your well-rounded technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations</li> <li>Demonstrate complete end-to-end project ownership in support of successful testing and implementation of the hardware you design</li> <li>Coordinate with engineers from other disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, controls, etc.) to establish a complete system design</li> </ul> <p><strong>BASIC QUALIFICATIONS</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline</li> <li>1+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical and/or fluid systems in the design, manufacturing, or implementation phases (class projects and/or internship experience qualifies)</li> </ul> <p><strong>PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience using a CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, ProE, Solidworks)</li> <li>Experience using FEM software to perform structural analysis (e.g. ANSYS, FEMAP)</li> <li>Familiarity with welded structures, welding processes and fluid systems</li> <li>Familiarity with standard process equipment (piping, piping components, valves, pumps)</li> <li>Familiarity with various manufacturing techniques and machine tools (e.g. welding, mill, lathe, waterjet, plasma)</li> <li>Previous experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings</li> <li>Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers</li> <li>Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment</li> <li>Passion for hands on work when needed to enable project completion</li> </ul> <p><strong>ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ability to pass Space Force background checks for Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral</li> <li>Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary</li> <li>Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required</li> <li>Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position</li> </ul> <p><strong>COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:</strong></p> <p>Pay range: <br>Launch Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year<br>Launch Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year</p> <p>Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.</p> <p>Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stoc ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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