Join SpaceX as a Mechanical Engineer to develop and scale the Raptor 3D printer and its production line.
Posted by employer 3 months ago
First seen on Joblaze 3 months ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Requirements
- Experience
- 1+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- Sponsorship available
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In this role, the Mechanical Engineer will focus on the development and scaling of the Raptor 3D printer and its production line, engaging directly with the production floor to enhance efficiency and reliability. Key skills include proficiency in CAD and FEA software, along with a solid understanding of GD&T for blueprint interpretation. This position is ideal for early-career engineers with hands-on experience in mechanical design and manufacturing processes. The team operates in a fast-paced environment, emphasizing collaboration across various engineering disciplines.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze June 26, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 7, 2026.
- Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,900).
- Starts above 52% of 130 comparable junior other roles in United States we track (median $92,152 across 54 companies).
- CAD appears in 3.7% of 460 comparable junior other roles in United States; FEMAP appears in 0.2% of 460 comparable junior other roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Mechanical Engineer, Printer Design & Manufacturing (Raptor) role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Hawthorne, CA.
- What's the salary range?
- SpaceX lists $100,000–$140,000 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Mechanical Engineer, Printer Design & Manufacturing (Raptor) role.
- Where is the role based?
- SpaceX is hiring for this position in Hawthorne, CA.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ANSYS, CAD, FEA, FEMAP, NX, Nastran.
- Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
- Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets junior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Mechanical Engineer, Printer Design & Manufacturing (Raptor) role at SpaceX.
From the original posting
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.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER, PRINTER DESIGN & MANUFACTURING (RAPTOR)
As part of the Raptor 3D printer team, you will play direct role in developing and scaling the printer and its production line. In this hands-on position, you will train technicians, create production plans and work instructions, collaborate with design and supply chain engineering, and design printer hardware, tooling, and shop aids. Working directly on the production floor, you will drive the rapid iteration and successful ramp of the Raptor 3D printer program.
Responsibilities
- Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed of execution and efficiency
- Refine the production system to create high-rate, high-yield, and reliable processes
- Develop training programs to teach engineers and technicians on laser tracking equipment and software
- Use in-depth familiarity of GD&T to interpret blueprints at all assembly levels
- Effectively communicate with fabricators, machinists, assemblers, engineers, and other parties as required
- Own the design, development, and implementation of custom production equipment for the Raptor 3D printer
- Balance simultaneous projects of varying scope and complexity in a fast-paced environment
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM discipline
- 1+ years of experience in the design and/or commissioning of mechanical engineering projects (student project team and internship experience qualifies)
- Experience with CAD and FEA software packages
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Verisurf or other model-based metrology software
- Experience analyzing data and generating data reports
- Experience with CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, or ProE) and PLM/PDM software (e.g. Teamcenter)
- Experience performing structural analysis in FEMAP, NASTRAN, ANSYS or NX Advance Simulation
- Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
- Prior experience applying common manufacturing processes (such as welding, machining, assembly, laser tracking, and inspection)
- Experience with custom machine design; electromechanical systems, motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings, lifting/rigging, etc.
- Experience with manufacturing process development, facility/line layouts and common inspection methods
- Experience with production tooling or product design in either prototype or high-volume environments
- Strong understanding and application of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) in creating drawings
- Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
Additional Requirements
- Travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
- Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.