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.
SENIOR BUILD ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
The Build Engineer role is responsible for taking design-for-manufacturability concepts through to integration and testing of the full vehicle. Build Engineers will be deeply involved in the primary and secondary structures of Starship and Super Heavy, including the design of tooling (assembly aids, welding fixtures, part fixturing, etc.) and the development of processes for welding, large part movement, and major structure integration. This role will rapidly develop early versions of the vehicles and later transition into integration operations sequencing and the installation of flight-critical hardware. Throughout the program, Build Engineers will document processes and drive continuous improvement for future builds. Engineers in this role will also be expected to act as de facto technical supervisors and advisors to production technicians, welders, and other skilled trades.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with vehicle analysts and the design team to ensure hardware meets both vehicle design requirements and manufacturing process constraints
- Develop production procedures and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
- Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of tooling and systems required to meet hardware deadlines
- Identify and implement design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements to increase production efficiency
- Create original CAD models and drawings for flight hardware and tooling
- Serve as the primary on-site design engineering point of contact for efficient build and assembly of parts and vehicle systems
- Create and maintain build schedules
- Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies, working closely with the Quality team on issues related to design, fabrication, and assembly
- Participate in design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers
- Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
- Provide technical direction and support to vendors; assist in sourcing and qualifying new suppliers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Engineering Physics
- Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead
- 5+ years of professional engineering experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working on SpaceX vehicles or builds
- Strong experience with GD&T
- Experience with large steel structure fabrication and assembly (civil, naval, aerospace, or heavy mechanical)
- Experience leading the mechanical design of operationally critical hardware, including structures and basic structural analysis
- Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Experience developing, maintaining, and improving welding processes
- Experience with process development, facility/line layouts, and error-proofing (poka-yoke)
- Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter (CAD and PLM systems)
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
- Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
- Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
- Flexibility to travel to remote build sites, up to 10%
- Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
- Walk: Up to 1 hour per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
- Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
- Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
- Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
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 reach out to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Engineering Physics
- Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead
- 5+ years of professional engineering experience
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
