FLUID/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Job Description

About SpaceX:

SpaceX was founded on the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we don’t. Their ultimate goal is to enable human life on Mars, and they are actively developing the technologies to make this a reality.

Job Description: FLUID/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

SpaceX is seeking engineers to contribute to the development and production testing of Starship, Falcon, and Dragon engine and vehicle hardware in McGregor, TX. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role requiring ambitious individuals. The work involves designing, building, activating, modifying, and maintaining fluid and mechanical systems that power, restrain, and measure the world’s most powerful high-volume rocket engines.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze, design, and build systems supporting the testing of fully integrated flight vehicles, individual rocket engines, and various components.
• Take full ownership of engineering projects from design reviews and decision justifications to equipment procurement and construction.
• Collaborate closely with skilled technicians to build designs and solve real-world problems.
• Maintain constant communication with the test operations team to adapt plans and meet tight deadlines.
• Operate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve testing objectives, iterating designs for improved performance and maintenance based on lessons learned.
• Develop solutions to complex engineering challenges supporting test programs and company objectives.
• Actively participate in rapidly-emerging field projects to ensure continuous rocket engine and vehicle testing.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or electrical engineering.
• 1+ years of hands-on design or build experience (professional work, internships, clubs, etc.).

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Strong understanding of fluid, structural, or mechanical systems.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to handle short deadlines effectively.
• Hands-on experience with machining, welding, and fabrication.
• Creativity in designing for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Proactive approach to challenges and opportunities; positive and self-motivated attitude.
• Ability to weigh multiple solutions, balancing cost, schedule, and complexity.
• Meticulous attention to detail, understanding system interactions to prevent problems.
• Experience with instrumentation and testing, data review and analysis, and model verification.
• Familiarity with high-pressure or cryogenic fluid systems and components.
• Experience with complex structural or mechanical systems and components.
• Design verification skills (hand calculations and complex modeling – FEA or CFD a plus).
• Ability to create fabrication drawings.
• Intermediate CAD skills (Siemens NX preferred).
• Knowledge of ASME piping and pressure vessel design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 3+ years of engineering design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt to changing roles and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to respond to emergencies and work extended hours/weekends.
• Physical ability to stand, kneel, crouch, twist, work in tight spaces, and climb.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work at heights (up to 300 ft.) with proper PPE.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain).
• Ability to work in environments with fumes, odors, and noise.
• Must meet ITAR requirements.