SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

R&D MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (CREW DRAGON)

As a R&D Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology.  You will work on launch vehicles and spacecraft that will deliver satellites into earth orbit, ferry humans to and from the international space station, and ultimately extend humanity’s reach beyond the earth and moon.  You will own the relationship between our development and production teams.  You will provide input into the design and development of new and existing hardware and take a lead role in manufacturing and integration on our current and next generation vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the production, assembly and integration of the Dragon propulsion system, including Draco thrusters, propellant tanks and propulsion fluid components and instrumentation.
• Review and provide input to component and system designs at the conceptual through prototype stage to ensure designs are designed for manufacturability.
• Drive the schedule for components and fluid systems, which impact design release cadence and capacity capabilities. Ensure that all parts are fabricated, assembled, and/or purchased at the correct time to facilitate the build schedules.
• Resolve, analyze and solve discrepancies, while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly).
• Provide feedback to design team to make designs more manufacturable for continuous improvement.
• Run system level testing of the vehicle propulsion system such as proof and leak, fluid flow, and functional checkouts.
• Develop production procedures/processes and design assembly tools to enable assembly and testing to meet vehicle production rate requirements.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, welding engineering, physics or chemistry.
• 1+ years hands-on fabrication, assembly, and/or testing experience (internship experience can supplement industry experience).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, welding engineering, physics or chemistry.
• Experience with spacecraft or aircraft propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials and electrical circuits.
• Experience with design for manufacturability and assembly.
• Experience with fluid schematics, geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T), and NX/Teamcenter CAD.
• Fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as: P&ID development, orbital tube welding, tube bending and pressure testing.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when necessary.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

 

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.