Thermal Hardware Engineer (Starship Heat Shield)

SpaceX · Cape Canaveral, Florida · Posted 2026-07-07

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 HARDWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIP HEAT SHIELD)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a Thermal Hardware Engineer position on the Starship Heat Shield Engineering team. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to rapidly design, build, and integrate novel systems required for the mass production of Starship Heat Shield tiles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for engineering automated manufacturing systems utilizing in-depth knowledge of industrial mechanical and fluid systems
Utilize and acquire knowledge of mechanical, process, materials science, and automation controls to ensure the successful delivery of processes to production
Model industrial mechanical assemblies, fluid routing, and assemblies using CAD software
Create and release detailed manufacturing drawings, schematics, and work instructions for build and fabrication
Specify and down-select components, such as sensors, valves, pumps, machining hardware, and mechanisms, and provide detailed specifications for their purchase
Act as the technical point of contact for equipment/system vendors, ensuring deliverables meet system requirements and the delivery schedule is met
Own and drive system integration and activation schedules meeting tight deadlines
Ability to work in the field, alongside and leading skilled technician teams or contactors
Write procedures for system activation, manufacturing operations, and preventative maintenance
Support design, methodology, and implementation of control systems for heat shield material production by working closely with Automation and Controls team.
Deliver innovative solutions to assigned areas of ownership under minimal supervision or direction

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or manufacturing engineering
1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

4+ years of experience working integration/design/build in high rate, high volume production environment
Hands-on experience working automated mechanical and machining/assembly systems in a professional setting
Demonstrated experience with creation and monitoring of statistical process control for key process parameters and quality metrics
Demonstrated expertise in the design, build, operation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems
Demonstrated experience with GD&T and mechanical drafting
Experience using Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD software
Experience drafting and updating piping and instrumentations schematics
Experience using SQL or other similar data base systems
Familiarity with industrial control systems (such as PLCs)
Excellent written and oral communication, especially translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
50 hr work week is typical, and may vary depending on site operational needs, flexibility is required
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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](mailto:EEOCompliance@spacex.com).

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that focuses on reducing the costs associated with space travel by using reusable rockets.

Thermal Hardware Engineer (Starship Heat Shield)

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