Thermal Hardware Engineer (Starship Heat Shield)

About this role

SpaceX seeks a Thermal Hardware Engineer to design and build automated manufacturing systems for Starship heat shield tile production. You'll lead integration efforts from concept through field deployment, managing vendors and technician teams while delivering innovative solutions under tight deadlines.

What you'll do

• Engineer automated manufacturing systems using mechanical, fluid, and control system expertise
• Design assemblies and systems in CAD, creating detailed drawings and work instructions
• Specify and down-select components like sensors, valves, pumps, and machining hardware
• Serve as technical liaison with equipment vendors to ensure requirements and schedules are met
• Lead field integration, activation, and system testing with technician and contractor teams
• Develop procedures for system activation, operations, and preventative maintenance

What they're looking for

• CAD software (Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or equivalent)
• Mechanical design and industrial systems engineering
• GD&T and mechanical drafting
• Piping and instrumentation (P&ID) design
• Statistical process control and quality metrics
• PLC and industrial control systems familiarity
• Project management and vendor coordination
• Technical communication and documentation

Benefits

• Work on cutting-edge aerospace technology for Mars exploration
• Hands-on manufacturing engineering at scale
• Leadership opportunity guiding technician teams
• Fast-paced, innovative environment with autonomous ownership
• Located at Cape Canaveral, FL
• Typical 50-hour work week with flexibility

Likely interview questions

• Describe your most complex automated manufacturing system project—what challenges did you face and how did you solve them?
• How have you applied statistical process control to improve manufacturing quality or throughput?