SpaceX Logo

SpaceX

Mechanical Engineer (Dragon)

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Hawthorne, CA
95K-130K
Junior
Hawthorne, CA
95K-130K
Junior
The Dragon Mechanical Engineer designs spacecraft systems, performs analysis, leads design reviews, and oversees project timelines from design to production.
The summary above was generated by AI

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (DRAGON)

A Dragon Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the continued development of critical components and the overall structural design of the most advanced human-rated spacecraft in the world. This capsule currently delivers cargo and crew safely to and from International Space Station, but further iterations and new designs will likely be necessary to extend humankind's reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Own the design and development of mechanical spacecraft systems
  • Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment
  • Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers
  • Be responsible for project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and recovery
  • Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or physics
  • 1+ years experience with CAD and FEA software packages (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)
  • 1+ years of hands on experience driving the design and development of mechanical components or systems (internship and project team experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Leadership experience on an engineering or project team
  • Experience designing components on a high-performance vehicle
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data driven decisions
  • Willingness and desire to exemplify extreme ownership of flight critical spacecraft systems
  • Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis, root cause investigation, and DOE creation
  • Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Ability to travel to remote sites in Texas, Florida, and Central California as needed
  • Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    
Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    
Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year    
    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.  

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 [email protected]

Top Skills

Cad
Fea

SpaceX Hawthorne, California, USA Office

1 Rocket Road, Hawthorne, CA, United States, 90250

Similar Jobs

An Hour Ago
Hybrid
3 Locations
117K-128K Annually
Mid level
117K-128K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Professional Services • Analytics • Consulting
The role involves developing UI components with React.js, implementing best practices in software development, and optimizing performance across devices. Leadership in UI engineering and collaboration with teams is crucial.
Top Skills: C#CSSEnzymeFluxHTMLJavaJavaScriptNext.JsPythonReactReduxWebpack
An Hour Ago
Remote
Hybrid
San Diego, CA, USA
127K-215K Annually
Mid level
127K-215K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • HR Tech • Information Technology • Productivity • Software • Automation
Build and maintain scalable, high-quality code, mentor colleagues, and contribute to product design and implementation while integrating AI into processes.
Top Skills: AngularJavaJavaScriptReactVue
An Hour Ago
Remote
Hybrid
Santa Clara, CA, USA
164K-286K Annually
Senior level
164K-286K Annually
Senior level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • HR Tech • Information Technology • Productivity • Software • Automation
As a Staff Quality Performance Engineer, you will focus on performance testing, troubleshooting issues, and improving reliability of services. You will design and execute tests using tools like JMeter, ensure products meet performance standards, and enhance testing methodologies.
Top Skills: BlazemeterJavaJavaScriptJmeterPerlPythonShellSplunkYourkit

What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene

Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.

Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account