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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Thermal Control and Life Support Hardware Engineer (Crew Starship)

Starbase, TXInternshipEntry-level (exp-based)Posted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Crew Starship
Human Landing System
HLS
space technology
life support systems
thermal control systems
manufacturing
project delivery
avionics
mission operations

Nice to have

trade studies
first principles
engineering fundamentals
rotating machinery
NX
geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Thermal Control and Life Support Hardware Engineer for the Crew Starship program, responsible for the design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of critical life support and thermal control systems for lunar and Mars missions. This role involves owning system development from concept to sustained operations, leading design reviews, and ensuring integration with other spacecraft systems. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline with at least 1 year of experience in fluid, mechanical, or environmental control systems. Preferred qualifications include experience with trade studies, rotating machinery, NX, GD&T, structural analysis, and various manufacturing techniques.

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.

THERMAL CONTROL AND LIFE SUPPORT HARDWARE ENGINEER (CREW STARSHIP)

After 50 years, humankind will once again return to surface of the moon using SpaceX’s Crew Starship (also known as HLS or the Human Landing System) – this time for good. Leveraging the lessons learned from our flight proven Dragon spacecraft and Falcon rocket, Starship will usher in the next era of crewed spaceflight and exploration, ultimately allowing us to establish permanent communities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

As a Thermal Control and Life Support Engineer, you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. This team develops the necessary hardware to maintain environmental and thermal control as well as support life onboard the Starship spacecraft. The role requires attentiveness across disciplines, as it involves design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of components that are critical to the safety of future astronauts and passengers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own the conceptualization, design, and build of creative life support and thermal control systems for all Crew Starship missions, including Mars missions, across disciplines such as fans and air distribution, air sanitation, water collection and reclamation, waste management, fire suppression, and active thermal control

Rapidly iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment

Be responsible for project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and sustained operations.

Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers

Work with interdisciplinary customers to ensure the component will integrate with the necessary avionics, software, mission operations, etcetera

Ensure designs are manufacturable and reliable

Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your own work

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline

1+ years of experience working with fluid systems, mechanical systems, environmental control systems, or components (internship and project team experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information

Experience with rotating machinery

Experienced in NX

Solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis

Experience with structural analysis methods (hand calcs, ABAQUS, ANSYS) in order to optimize hardware to strength requirements as well as to evaluate for life and fracture

Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, brazing, tube bending, etc.

Experience with selection of materials considering engineering properties, manufacturing, and fluid compatibility

Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers

Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

Master’s degree in engineering discipline

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work long hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones

Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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