Sr. Structural Engineer, Structural Test (Starship)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 5, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 5, 2026. SpaceX scores A on the Alion truth index.
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.
SR. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, STRUCTURAL TEST (STARSHIP)
The Starship Structural Test team is responsible for testing the limit of Starship’s primary structure. We are seeking a senior structural engineer who will be both an individual contributor and a technical leader on large steel and steel-reinforced concrete structural systems. You will architect, perform detailed design and analysis on, and build structures to apply flight-like loads to Starship test articles. Due to the iteration speed and scale of the loads, you will be challenged to develop unique, fast-to-build, and cost-effective structures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
As a member of the team, you can expect:
- A dynamic role contributing technical expertise in the design, analysis, and fabrication of large composite steel and concrete structures
- Work with vehicle and test engineers to develop test structures from conception. Your designs won’t be isolated - they often interact directly with the rocket structure - so careful consideration of boundary conditions, load paths, and stiffness will be necessary
- Be responsible for fabrication planning and on-site fabrication support of your structures
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience in the engineering of composite steel and concrete structural systems used in large buildings, bridges, nuclear containment, test systems, or other large-scale applications
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- An advanced degree in aerospace, civil/structural, mechanical engineering, or related field
- Experience with nonlinear structural analysis for steel and concrete structural systems
- Licensed Structural Engineering (SE) or Professional Engineering (PE)
- Knowledge of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Steel Construction Manual, American Concrete Institute (ACI) code 318, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, and International Building Codes (IBC)
- Knowledge of ETABS, SAP2000, S-Concrete, ANSYS, FEMAP, or similar analysis design programs
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
- Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
- Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
- Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
- Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
- Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
- Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
- Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day
- Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
- Upper body twist: Up to 3 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, 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].