Skip to content

Mechanical Engineer, Test Hardware Fabrication

McGregor, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

As a mechanical engineer on the Test Hardware Fabrication team, you will have the opportunity to solve challenging, open-ended problems related to the fabrication and safety of ground support/test equipment in McGregor, TX. The ideal candidate will be a positive team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a deep understanding of design-for-manufacturability, and has a desire to seek out and solve manufacturing inefficiencies. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop, implement and optimize tooling solutions to positively impact the daily safety and efficiency of fabricators and test technicians through your new/novel designs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and implement tooling and fabrication aids for a wide range of structural, mechanical, and fluid projects focused on increasing build safety, accelerating fabrication timelines, improving quality, and ensuring the as-built product meets engineering requirements
  • Work cross-functionally with key stakeholders to minimize/eliminate safety risks, increase work center efficiency and comfort, and drive innovative solutions to solve open-ended problem sets with minimal oversight
  • Identify, recommend, procure, and assist in the activation of new fabrication technologies across site to enhance capabilities, accelerate builds, and reduce fabrication costs
  • Attend design reviews and provide feedback to engineering partners to help expedite the fabrication/build schedule, specifically focusing on the design-for-manufacturability, lift planning, and build sequencing for detailed parts and large assemblies
  • Partner with production planning, material planning, design engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality personnel to ensure processes are robust and any fabrication issues are quickly solved
  • Rapidly and accurately disposition fabrication issues using experience and strong engineering fundamentals with minimal oversight
  • Leverage feedback from technicians and engineers to drive improvements for work instructions and fabrication processes/planning

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, materials, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing in a production or test environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Previous experience working in a test, manufacturing, and/or production environment
  • Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software and 2D drawings creation and interpretation
  • Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing with a keen understanding of fabrication methods across multiple engineering disciplines (mechanical, structural, fluids, etc.)
  • Familiarity with inventory, production, and capacity planning (including MRP/ERP systems)
  • Ability to conceptualize, design, draft and build piece parts and complex assemblies
  • Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
  • Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal oversite
  • Excellent written and communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to travel to other SpaceX sites (<15% travel)
  • Ability to lift up to 40lbs unassisted
  • Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary based on site operational needs; flexability required

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

Go to company profile