Job description

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. MECHANICAL ENGINEER, HEATSHIELD (STARSHIP) Starship requires a robust Thermal Protection System (TPS) to withstand the extreme heat generated during atmospheric reentry at hypersonic speeds. The thermal hardware team is responsible for the design, analysis, integration, and continuous improvement of Starship's reentry heat shield and structures. As a thermal hardware engineer, you will drive the development of the next-generation heatshield from concept and detailed mechanical design to thermal-structural modeling, qualification testing, production, integration, flight rationale, and post-flight data-driven optimizations. At Starbase, you will have the opportunity to work in an exciting and dynamic environment, dividing your time between the office and the production floor to ensure the delivery of the best-engineered product and ultimately mission success. RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop, test, and qualify new or refined thermal protection system solutions for our Starship architecture Own the outcome and set up the end-to-end solutions to thermal challenges from idea to flying hardware Work with production on resolving issues on the floor and on the vehicle with our flight hardware Analyze and troubleshoot post-flight conditions on vehicle heatshields to drive vehicle changes and improvements Coordinate with analysis, avionics, structures, supply chain, and reliability engineers to drive multidisciplinary projects Work with outside vendors, suppliers, and testing resources to bring in new materials, capabilities, or processes BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in material science, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or aerospace engineering 1+ years of engineering experience designing, analyzing, or building mechanical or thermal systems (internship and school projects experience qualify) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 3+ years of experience working on thermal protection systems Strong fundamentals in aerothermal heating on reentry vehicles Strong fundamentals in the materials and mechanisms by which thermal protection systems operate Hands-on experience with hardware that has had to perform in challenging thermal environments such as rockets, reentry vehicles or other extreme temperature applications Ability to drive open-ended design and development challenges Familiarity and experience with production, installation, qualification, and use of thermal protection system materials Experience using Siemens NX, or similar CAD software Ability to perform basic thermal or mechanical analysis ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary Ability to travel domestically Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here . SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .

Requirements

Must-haves

Develop, test, and qualify new or refined thermal protection system solutions for our Starship architecture
Own the outcome and set up the end-to-end solutions to thermal challenges from idea to flying hardware
Work with production on resolving issues on the floor and on the vehicle with our flight hardware
Analyze and troubleshoot post-flight conditions on vehicle heatshields to drive vehicle changes and improvements
Coordinate with analysis, avionics, structures, supply chain, and reliability engineers to drive multidisciplinary projects
Work with outside vendors, suppliers, and testing resources to bring in new materials, capabilities, or processes
Bachelor’s degree in material science, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or aerospace engineering
1+ years of engineering experience designing, analyzing, or building mechanical or thermal systems (internship and school projects experience qualify)
3+ years of experience working on thermal protection systems
Strong fundamentals in aerothermal heating on reentry vehicles
Strong fundamentals in the materials and mechanisms by which thermal protection systems operate
Hands-on experience with hardware that has had to perform in challenging thermal environments such as rockets, reentry vehicles or other extreme temperature applications
Ability to drive open-ended design and development challenges
Familiarity and experience with production, installation, qualification, and use of thermal protection system materials
Experience using Siemens NX, or similar CAD software
Ability to perform basic thermal or mechanical analysis
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
Ability to travel domestically
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: greenhouse
Effort: quick