Mechanical Engineer (Rotating Equipment)

About this role

SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Engineer to lead rotating equipment integration for power plant development at Starbase, including gas turbines, steam turbines, and HRSGs from specification through commissioning. This hands-on role spans technical design, OEM coordination, factory testing, and field startup activities with significant travel required.

What you'll do

• Develop technical specifications for gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems
• Evaluate OEM proposals from major manufacturers and drive equipment selection
• Manage mechanical interfaces between turbines, generators, condensers, and balance-of-plant systems
• Review OEM drawings, layouts, and P&IDs for technical compliance and constructibility
• Participate in factory acceptance testing and on-site commissioning activities
• Coordinate with civil/structural engineering on dynamic loading, vibration criteria, and foundation design

What they're looking for

• Rotating equipment fundamentals (rotor dynamics, bearings, lube oil systems, alignment)
• Gas turbine and steam turbine experience (F-class or H-class preferred)
• HRSG design review and SCR integration knowledge
• API 611/612/616/617 standards and ASME codes (B31.3, BPV Code Section VIII)
• Vibration analysis and rotor dynamics software
• CAD proficiency (SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or equivalent)
• Factory acceptance testing and field commissioning experience
• Technical specification development and bid evaluation

Likely interview questions

• Walk us through your experience with a specific F-class or H-class gas turbine project—what was your role in equipment selection and what challenges did you encounter?
• Describe a time when you identified a mechanical interface issue between major equipment packages before it reached the field. How did you resolve it?