Sr. Structural Engineer, Structural Test (Starship)

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.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, STRUCTURAL TEST (STARSHIP)

The Starship Structural Test team is responsible for testing the limit of Starship’s primary structure. We are seeking a senior structural engineer who will be both an individual contributor and a technical leader on large steel and steel-reinforced concrete structural systems. You will architect, perform detailed design and analysis on, and build structures to apply flight-like loads to Starship test articles. Due to the iteration speed and scale of the loads, you will be challenged to develop unique, fast-to-build, and cost-effective structures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a member of the team, you can expect:

A dynamic role contributing technical expertise in the design, analysis, and fabrication of large composite steel and concrete structures

Work with vehicle and test engineers to develop test structures from conception. Your designs won’t be isolated – they often interact directly with the rocket structure – so careful consideration of boundary conditions, load paths, and stiffness will be necessary

Be responsible for fabrication planning and on-site fabrication support of your structures

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

5+ years of experience in the engineering of composite steel and concrete structural systems used in large buildings, bridges, nuclear containment, test systems, or other large-scale applications

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

An advanced degree in aerospace, civil/structural, mechanical engineering, or related field

Experience with nonlinear structural analysis for steel and concrete structural systems

Licensed Structural Engineering (SE) or Professional Engineering (PE)

Knowledge of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Steel Construction Manual, American Concrete Institute (ACI) code 318, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, and International Building Codes (IBC)

Knowledge of ETABS, SAP2000, S-Concrete, ANSYS, FEMAP, or similar analysis design programs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day

Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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.