Build Engineer (Starship) - Nights

SpaceX · Starbase, Texas · Posted 2026-05-25

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 (STARSHIP)

As a build engineer on the Starship team, you will be responsible for developing and qualifying processes for high-rate, mixed-product manufacturing of propulsion, avionics, and welded structural assemblies. Focus will be on design for manufacturing, implementing poka-yoke systems, increasing product yield, and automation as required to minimize takt and cycle times.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and perform acceptance testing of manufacturing processes, techniques, and tools to enable efficient and high-rate manufacturing
Design and implement precision tooling to eliminate assembly error, improve quality, and minimize cycle time
Automate novel processes to ensure repeatability on high-rate manufacturing lines
Work closely with design engineering teams to influence flight design and vehicle architecture with design for manufacturing improvements
Develop and/or automate in-situ inspection techniques to increase yield and decrease cycle time
Manage transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
Challenge and simplify requirements to optimize processes and reduce overhead

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
1+ years of manufacturing and process design experience (internship and academic experience is applicable)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in an engineering discipline
Hands-on project experience with mixed value stream or high-rate manufacturing lines, focusing on maximizing yield and increasing rate
Proficiency in mechanical assembly methods, testing, failure mode effects analysis, and troubleshooting
Experience with integration and testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical, and/or structural systems
Prior experience with developing, maintaining, and improving weld processes and weld inspection techniques, inclusive of automation
Experience using SQL or other data management structures to inform priorities and measure performance

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 [EEOCompliance@spacex.com](mailto:EEOCompliance@spacex.com).

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that focuses on reducing the costs associated with space travel by using reusable rockets.

Build Engineer (Starship) - Nights

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