NDE Engineer (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.

NDE ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The NDE Engineer position sits within the NDE Engineering organization reporting to the NDE Engineering Manager. You will be required to interface across multiple business groups to develop and deliver state-of-the-art inspection solutions and advanced data analysis to deliver manufacturing process improvements to ensure flight reliability of the vehicle.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage all phases of the design and implementation of automated NDE inspection systems to meet capability, rate, and quality targets for the Starship Program
• Interface across multiple engineering teams to align on inspection requirements and capabilities, inspection feasibility, design for inspection, inspection method selection, and interpretation and evaluation of data
• Support targets and goals such as NDE automation initiatives, increased probability of detection, reduced cycle time, right first-time manufacture/assembly, and indication/defect reduction
• Support NDE specialists with development, qualification and deployment of new inspection processes (gauge R&R, PODs) including standardization, documentation and training
• Define integration test plans for hardware products or software features with integration milestones that align with the program timeline
• Drive cross-functional design and analysis discussions with electrical, software, manufacturing, and vehicle design teams
• Understand and debug hardware and software interactions during design, launch, and deployment
• Use field data to improve design and performance of NDE systems
• Be able to present risk/performance analysis and recommendations to cross-functional teams including executives 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, physics, or computer science
• 3+ years of hands-on technical engineering experience 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline 
• 6+ years of hands-on technical engineering experience
• Strong project management skills
• Knowledge of a variety of NDE techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, digital radiography testing, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and mathematical optimization
• Understanding of hardware and software development and validation process
• Familiarity with JIRA or similar task/feature tracking systems
• Knowledge of automation, including robotics
• Experience with software and automation coding (Labview, Python, C#, SQL)
• Ability to multitask, from developing technologies, project management, and training people throughout the introduction of multiple productive solutions, from inception and R&D to full-volume production
• Experience with problem solving tools and techniques: Practical Problem Solving, 8D etc. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to work flexible hours and occasional weekend support as needed  
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts) 
• Ability to pass Space Force / Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg 
• Ability to travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed      

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay range:     

NDE Engineer I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

NDE Engineer 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. 

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.