Tooling Engineer, Starship Components; Materials Engineering

Hawthorne, CA

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Space

X continues to revolutionize the launch industry by combining advanced technological developments with pragmatic and lean manufacturing. Materials used on Space

X vehicles are designed to withstand the extreme environments of launch, on‑orbit operations, and reentry. This role will lead a team responsible for the support of advanced welding and joining processes on control devices and mechanisms that drive critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy – from regulators and butterfly valves to flap/fin actuators. We design, manufacture, and test valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, compatibility with various fluids, temperatures ranging from 80 to 800 K, and pressures beyond 800 bar.

This position will own manufacturing and development of Tooling and Equipment for Space

X’s Starship components welding. The person in this position will help develop, build, and certify designs to optimize tooling related to welding and inspection processes. The Tooling Engineer in this role will interface daily with design, automation, welding, NDE, and test engineers to make the machine that builds the machine and enforce standardized practices and procedures on multiple welded assemblies.

• Design and manufacture of welding fixtures for processes including electron beam welding, laser beam welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and orbital tube welding.
• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure tooling can work with assemblies without damaging critical features.
• Create detailed models and engineering prints in NX.
• Perform hand calculations and analysis to size structures and mechanisms.
• Create manufacturing planning for scope performed by internal welding and toolmaking teams.
• Scope equipment procurement for welding processes.
• Create and evaluate asset maintenance schedules.
• Support machine activation with welding engineering team and perform development testing.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or an engineering discipline.
• Experience using a CAD software design package (e.g., Solid Works, NX, CATIA, or ProE).
• 2+ years of experience designing and building mechanical structures, GD&T, fabrication of mechanical assemblies, or weldments.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• CNC and/or robot programming experience for automated welding solutions.
• Tooling design experience for welded assemblies to reduce part distortion and improve part consistency.
• Self‑motivated engineer with keen attention to detail.
• Hands‑on experience in a high‑production manufacturing environment.
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software.
• Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA).
• Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical components.
• Expertise and engineering knowledge in tooling, automation, welding engineering, component design, and/or component manufacturing.
• Experience in software development (SQL, Python, or C#).

• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to travel for business needs – up to 25%.
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Comfort with occasional work in tight or confined spaces.

Tooling Engineer/Level I: $–$ per year

Tooling Engineer/Level II: $–$ 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  may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as…