Build Engineer, Structures (Starship)
Content + Source + Freshness • 17 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Outstanding opportunity at SpaceX to work on the Starship program, appealing to top-tier engineering talent and those passionate about aerospace innovation.
- Work on pioneering aerospace project: Starship
- Competitive compensation and extensive benefits
- Engage with leading experts in the aerospace industry
Pros
- Attractive salary and benefits associated with a leading aerospace company
- Involvement in a pioneering project with significant societal impact
- Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth
Cons
- High-pressure environment with demanding deadlines
- Possibility of needing to relocate to Texas
- Long hours and potential weekend work required
Who it's for
Mid to Senior-level • On-site
Good fit
- Experienced aerospace engineers
- Professionals passionate about space technology
- Individuals seeking high-impact roles in aerospace
Not recommended for
- Entry-level candidates without practical experience
- Individuals preferring predictable and standard hours
- Candidates averse to relocating
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
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.
BUILD ENGINEER, STRUCTURES (STARSHIP)
As a build engineer, you will utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel engineered solutions for flight and manufacturing hardware. You will own the development of flight hardware and build processes (welding, large part movement, structures integration) for the most powerful rocket in history, Starship.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with vehicle analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
- Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
- Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
- Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
- Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
- Lead the on-site design engineering contact for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
- Create and maintain build schedules
- Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
- Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
- Partner with engineering & production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
- Source, retain, and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
- 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
- Involvement in a professional engineering society or collegiate design project
- Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
- Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
- Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
- Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
- Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
- Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
- Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Position will be based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island area) and will require relocation if not already local
- Stand: Up to 3 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
- Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
- Kneel/Crouch: N/A
- Upper body twist: N/A
- Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 30 minutes per day
- Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
