Sr. Structures Engineer, Build (Starship)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on May 21, 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. STRUCTURES ENGINEER, BUILD (STARSHIP)
The build engineer is responsible for production, qualification, and the design/analysis of hardware manufactured on the lines, as well as advancement of the manufacturing system itself. Development scope includes identifying inputs, detailed design and analysis, design reviews, qualification, and production implementation. This includes mechanical testing, weld process development, inspection techniques, personnel access, and all associated tooling required to create the Starship and Super Heavy Booster primary structures. Additional responsibilities include developing and reviewing work instructions as designs evolve and resolving issues that often require one-off analysis to determine the path forward.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with vehicle analysts 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 and 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
- 5+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production
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 writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
- Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry
- Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
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].