SpaceX
Mechanical Design Engineer (Starfall)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer for the Starfall project, a revolutionary re-entry cargo capsule enabling point-to-point global delivery. You'll own the design and lifecycle of critical structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms while collaborating with leadership and leveraging physics-based problem solving in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
What you'll do
- Design and own primary/secondary structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems for the Starfall cargo vehicle
- Perform hand calculations, FEA, and CAD analysis to validate hardware against requirements
- Lead design reviews and hardware qualification testing
- Serve as technical liaison with suppliers, customers, and internal production teams
- Manage hardware delivery from concept through assembly, launch, and reuse cycles
- Interface with senior leadership during critical design phases
What they're looking for
- CAD software (preferably NX/Teamcenter)
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS or similar
- Hand calculations and fundamental physics analysis
- Hardware fabrication, assembly, and testing experience
- Technical communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Python, MATLAB, or Excel programming
- Mechanical design for extreme environments and loads
- Project timeline and hardware ownership management
Benefits
- Base salary: $100k-$115k (Level I) or $110k-$135k (Level II)
- Equity in form of company stock, options, or long-term cash awards
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
- 3 weeks paid vacation plus 10+ paid holidays and paid sick leave
- Short/long-term disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, and ESPP discount
Opens the official application on the employer’s site. No login required.
SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe a hardware project where you owned the full lifecycle from design through testing—what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
- Walk us through your approach to a complex mechanical design problem: how do you balance hand calculations with FEA, and when do you rely on each?