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Build Engineer (Super Heavy Booster)

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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