Launch Engineer, Mechanical

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Aggressively-paced, constantlyvolving, results-focused, real-as-it-gets engineering position available for the ambitious. We design, build, activate, modify, improve, and maintain the mechanical systems that test the most powerful rocket in the world. Aimed at pivoting and fixing issues every day, you can plan on having your skills put to the test, having hardware you designed, made, and installed the same day in a development-focused environment.

From designing large structural weldments to precision-machined parts or flowing tens of thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens that enable long‑duration static fire testing and launch, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding launch and test program, both today and in the future.

• Analyze, design, and build systems that support critical rocket launches and testing
• Cradle-to-grave project ownership through hosting design reviews, project decision justification, equipment procurement, and coordination and assistance with the construction of your ideas
• Design modular hardware capable of being manufactured at volume for future launch and test sites across the world
• Apply interdisciplinary engineering skills in fields of system-level process design and initial sizing, detailed structural engineering, pressurized fluid and thermal analysis, materials, and component selection, and cost/schedule optimization
• Utilize finite element method (FEM) software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP) and rigorous hand calculations to facilitate design and issue disposition
• Work with vehicle engineers to understand requirements and develop systems from conception
• Work directly with technicians and support groups to build your designs, and fix real‑world problems on the fly
• Maintain a tight feedback loop with the launch operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight deadlines
• Activate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives and iterate system maintenance strategies to reduce future downtimes
• Independently evaluate complex problems and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that best support the program
• Hands‑on approach to tackling daily field projects necessary to keep the company testing and launching rockets

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering field
• 1+ years of professional experience designing, building, or troubleshooting fluid or mechanical systems (internships and college competition team count)

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high‑paced, challenging work environment
• Willingness to perform other related duties to ensure an efficient and effective work environment
• Experience with quick thinking and problem‑solving in stressful situations
• Experience solving challenges posed by short deadlines
• Strong fundamental intuition of structural/mechanical systems
• Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch
• General hands‑on experience with machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques is a plus
• Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, verification against a model
• 3+ years of mechanical and/or fluids/thermal design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems and weldments
• Experience with high‑pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and components
• Experience producing drawings for welders and machine shop fabrication
• Collaborative team player, eager to find the best solution while balancing cost and schedule
• Acute attention to detail, ability to see interactions with other…