Mechanical Engineer, Test Hardware Fabrication

As a mechanical engineer on the Test Hardware Fabrication team, you will have the opportunity to solve challenging, open-ended problems related to the fabrication and safety of ground support/test equipment in McGregor, TX. The ideal candidate will be a positive team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a deep understanding of design-for-manufacturability, and has a desire to seek out and solve manufacturing inefficiencies. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop, implement and optimize tooling solutions to positively impact the daily safety and efficiency of fabricators and test technicians through your new/novel designs.

• →Design and implement tooling and fabrication aids for a wide range of structural, mechanical, and fluid projects focused on increasing build safety, accelerating fabrication timelines, improving quality, and ensuring the as-built product meets engineering requirements
• →Work cross-functionally with key stakeholders to minimize/eliminate safety risks, increase work center efficiency and comfort, and drive innovative solutions to solve open-ended problem sets with minimal oversight
• →Identify, recommend, procure, and assist in the activation of new fabrication technologies across site to enhance capabilities, accelerate builds, and reduce fabrication costs
• →Attend design reviews and provide feedback to engineering partners to help expedite the fabrication/build schedule, specifically focusing on the design-for-manufacturability, lift planning, and build sequencing for detailed parts and large assemblies
• →Partner with production planning, material planning, design engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to ensure processes are robust and any fabrication issues are quickly solved
• →Rapidly and accurately disposition fabrication issues using experience and strong engineering fundamentals with minimal oversight
• →Leverage feedback from technicians and engineers to drive improvements for work instructions and fabrication processes/planning

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing in a production or test environment

• Previous experience working in a test, manufacturing, and/or production environment
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software and 2D drawings creation and interpretation
• Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing with a keen understanding of fabrication methods across multiple engineering disciplines (mechanical, structural, fluids, etc.)
• Familiarity with inventory, production, and capacity planning (including MRP/ERP systems)
• Ability to conceptualize, design, draft and build piece parts and complex assemblies
• Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
• Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal oversite
• Excellent written and communication skills

• Ability to travel to other SpaceX sites (<15% travel)
• Ability to lift up to 40lbs unassisted
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary based on site operational needs; flexability required

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.