Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms; Crew Starship

Overview

Mechanical Engineer, Mechanisms (Crew Starship) – Hawthorne, CA

Space

X was founded to enable humanity to explore the stars. Space

X is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Crew Starship team designs and builds spacecraft systems for future missions, including primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and crew‑interfacing hardware. This role requires full hardware ownership from initial requirements through design, analysis, prototype, qualification, and integration.

• Own the design, analysis, and manufacturing of next generation structures and mechanisms for Starship vehicles for long duration and landing missions (examples include the solar deploy system, landing legs, and lunar elevator).
• Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs.
• Rapidly iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure hardware integrates with Starship systems and supports mission operations.
• Lead design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers (e.g., NASA).
• Negotiate complex trade studies to optimize for cost, schedule, safety, and performance.
• Be responsible for project delivery timelines from early design through production, launch, and recovery.

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis (internship and extracurricular experience qualify).

• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems.
• Data‑driven decision making using analysis and results.
• Experience with structures and mechanisms in aerospace or aviation industries.
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles to make clear recommendations with partial information.
• Experience with Siemens NX, Ansys, and/or Abaqus.
• Solid understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present recommendations to engineers, stakeholders, management, and executives.
• Experience in a nimble engineering environment or in a role requiring scrappy, entrepreneurial problem solving under tight constraints.
• Leadership experience on an engineering or project team.

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones.
• Occasional travel to other Space
  
  X work sites.

Pay Range:

Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $ per year

Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $ - $ per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is part of a total rewards package including potential stock incentives, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also have access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, holidays, and other benefits. Sick leave accrual is per Company policy.

EEO statements:
Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation may contact

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, ITAR compliance may apply. Further information is available in the posting.