SpaceX
Mechanical Engineer (Starship Components Manufacturing)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes for critical Starship flow control components including valves, regulators, and actuators. You'll drive factory efficiency, implement lean production principles, oversee component testing in extreme conditions, and collaborate across engineering and operations to achieve high-volume, zero-defect manufacturing.
What you'll do
- Design factory layout and manufacturing processes for high-reliability flow control devices and actuators operating in extreme temperatures (-400°F to +900°F) and pressures (10,000+ psig)
- Optimize production flow by eliminating unnecessary parts/processes, implementing automation, and establishing product-specific build/test cells
- Collaborate with design engineers, machine shops, and vendors to ensure parts are designed for manufacturability and meet flight-like specifications
- Support component-level testing including proof, leak, cryogenic, and functional checkouts; investigate production yield issues
- Develop work instructions, defect tracking systems, and acceptance testing protocols to achieve zero workmanship defects
- Increase production capacity and factory scrutiny as products mature toward commercial and crewed missions
What they're looking for
- Mechanical design and manufacturing engineering
- Fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science
- Valve, actuator, regulator, and electromechanical component design
- Lean manufacturing and process optimization
- Engineering drawing and schematic interpretation
- Testing and troubleshooting (proof, leak, cryogenic)
- Python, SQL, or C# software development
- Leadership and cross-functional communication
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays annually
- Paid parental leave and disability insurance
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a discount
- Long-term stock incentives and discretionary bonuses
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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 your experience optimizing a manufacturing process—what metrics did you improve and what approach did you take?
- Tell us about a time you worked with fluid systems or electromechanical components; what challenges did you face?