Manufacturing Engineer; Dragon Structures

Manufacturing Engineer (Dragon Structures)

Hawthorne, CA

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.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (DRAGON STRUCTURES)

As a Manufacturing Engineer at Space

X, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will work on launch vehicles and spacecraft that deliver satellites into earth orbit, ferry humans to and from the international space station, and ultimately extend humanity’s reach beyond the earth and moon. You will be a vital part of the relationship between our development and production teams.

You will provide input into the design and development of new and existing hardware and take a lead role in manufacturing and integration on our current and next generation vehicles.

• Responsible for the build and inspection process for composite structures across the Dragon 2 capsule
• Develop, qualify, and refine manufacturing processes to meet all design and business requirements including safety, quality, efficiency and delivery
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve large-scale production challenges
• Work closely with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and implementation in a rapidly evolving production environment
• Resolve product non-conformances and collaborate with the quality team to implement root cause corrective actions
• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet volume production demand
• Develop and refine floor layouts, capacity models, and product flow analysis to ensure on-time vehicle delivery to manifest
• Oversee composite hardware through production, including: lamination, machining, acceptance testing, and final assembly (bonded and bolted assemblies)
• Facilitate production of flight-qualified composites structures at increasing production rate while reducing cost

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of demonstrated hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment from industry, hobby, or school

• Master's degree in mechanical, materials, or aerospace engineering
• 2+ years of industry experience (automotive, aviation or spacecraft manufacturing) working with composite structures and/or large mechanical assemblies
• 1+ years experience with advanced composites manufacturing processes (out‑of‑autoclave prepreg processing, drilling and routing of composites, structural adhesives) for large scale, primary structures in a production environment
• Familiarity with test procedures and non‑destructive evaluation of structural composites
• Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace hardware
• Experience with validation testing for composite structures
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design analysis experience using 3D CAD software
• Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA)
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to rate manufacturing in a fast‑paced environment

• Position may require extended work hours and weekend work
• Position may require standing, bending and working directly with hardware on the floor for extended periods of time

Pay range:
Manufacturing Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 – $ per year
Manufacturing Engineer/Level II: $ – $ per year

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.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  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 Stock Purchase Plan. You will also…