Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Flight Termination System (Starship)
Core
Design and validate hardware for the Starship Flight Termination System, including explosive devices, system controllers, and detonators, ensuring safety-critical reliability from concept to delivery.
Role type
Senior IC mechanical engineer (safety-critical hardware & explosives)
Builds
Flight Termination System hardware (explosive devices, controllers, detonators) for Starship and Super Heavy stages
Domain
Aerospace / Propulsion / Safety-critical hardware
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
mechanical design, high-explosive device design, live ordnance assembly, environmental testing, root cause analysis, regulatory compliance, system integration, shock/vibration analysis, thermal cycling analysis, live fire testing, manufacturing process optimization, risk assessment
Preferred skills
LSDYNA, ANSYS, BlastX, CHEETA, Hydrocode, high-voltage electronics, test instrumentation, electro-mechanical actuators, solid mechanics, dynamics, project management, leadership
Technologies
LSDYNA, ANSYS, BlastX, CHEETA, Hydrocode
Responsibilities
Design manufacturable explosive devices and robust hardware integration; validate reliability via shock, vibration, thermal, and live fire testing; partner with manufacturing to achieve high build rates; generate detailed drawings and risk assessments; spearhead root cause investigations; set standards for component qualification; collaborate on system-level architecture to minimize payload cost.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC