Development Test Engineer, Structures (Starship)

Join SpaceX as a Build Specialist in Structures Engineering and become part of a pioneering team dedicated to making humanity multi-planetary. At our Starbase facility in Texas, you will face unprecedented engineering challenges in a rugged environment, working collaboratively with production leadership to set high standards for build excellence. Your role w…

Join SpaceX as a Build Specialist in our Booster Structures Engineering team, where you will play a crucial role in the design and assembly of rocket components. As part of our innovative workforce, you will collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency in rocket manufacturing.

SpaceX is working to build technology that supports human exploration beyond Earth, with a focus on making life multiplanetary. The team develops and manufactures systems for missions to Mars and further destinations. Role overview The Structures Engineer, Build (Starship) works directly on the production, qualification, and design or analysis of hardware for Starship and Super Heavy Booster primary structures at Starbase, TX. This position plays a key role in supporting and improving the manufacturing systems that bring these vehicles to life. What you will do Identify requirements and inputs for hardware production and assembly Perform detailed design and structural analysis Lead and participate in design reviews Implement and improve production practices Conduct mechanical testing and develop welding processes Refine inspection methods and ensure safe personnel access Manage and develop tooling for primary structures Create and review work instructions as designs evolve Tackle unique technical challenges through thorough analysis and effective solutions Location This role is based at Starbase, TX.

SpaceX is on a mission to revolutionize space exploration, believing that a future where humanity explores the cosmos is infinitely more thrilling than one where we remain earthbound. We are currently seeking a talented Build Engineer to join our Structures team at Starbase, TX, responsible for the production, qualification, and design/analysis of hardware on our manufacturing lines. This role focuses on enhancing our manufacturing systems, including input identification, detailed design, analysis, design reviews, and production implementation. You will be involved in mechanical testing, weld process development, inspection techniques, and the necessary tooling for creating the primary structures of the Starship and Super Heavy Booster. Additionally, you will develop and review work instructions as designs evolve and tackle unique challenges that require innovative problem-solving skills.

SpaceX’s Starbase team in Texas is focused on building the technology and infrastructure needed to enable interplanetary travel. The long-term vision centers on making human life possible on Mars, and the Super Heavy Booster is a key part of this mission. Role overview The Build Engineering Specialist for the Super Heavy Booster plays a central role in advancing one of SpaceX’s most ambitious projects. This position requires resilience and adaptability, as many challenges have no established solutions. Collaboration with production, engineering, and technical teams is essential to maintain high standards and drive improvements across manufacturing processes. What you will do Work with production leadership to uphold engineering standards, focusing on quality, process improvement, and operational efficiency. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to streamline manufacturing processes and minimize disruptions. Develop and manage tools for scheduling, progress tracking, and identifying project dependencies. Review and prioritize work order feedback, making real-time adjustments with process planning teams. Assist in creating initial build processes for new or modified assemblies, including process and equipment design. Identify and implement shop aids and tooling to boost productivity. Recommend and execute improvements in shop floor layout, storage, and organization. Regularly communicate project status and milestones to stakeholders. Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, manage nonconforming parts, update bills of materials, and perform root cause analysis for corrective actions. Establish standard practices, troubleshooting guides, and repair procedures for the shop floor. Review design proposals for manufacturability and integration, working closely with build and design engineers. Recommend tooling design changes or enhancements using data analysis. Create detailed work orders and engineering documentation to support manufacturing activities.

At SpaceX, we are driven by the vision of a future where humanity explores the cosmos, and we are dedicated to developing the groundbreaking technologies that will make this vision a reality. Our ultimate mission is to enable sustainable human life on Mars.Senior Structural Engineer - Structural Testing (Starship)The Starship Structural Test team is at the forefront of ensuring the integrity of Starship's primary structure through rigorous testing. We are on the lookout for a seasoned structural engineer who will play a pivotal role as both a technical leader and an individual contributor, specializing in large-scale steel and steel-reinforced concrete structural systems. You will design, analyze, and construct innovative structures capable of withstanding flight-like loads during testing of Starship prototypes. You will face the unique challenge of developing fast, efficient, and cost-effective structures that meet our rapid iteration pace and stringent load requirements.

At SpaceX, we believe that the future of humanity lies in exploring the cosmos. Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies that will make space travel accessible, with the ultimate aim of establishing human life on Mars.STRUCTURAL ENGINEER - STRUCTURAL TESTING FOR STARSHIPThe Starship Structural Test team is dedicated to assessing the limits of Starship’s primary structures. We are looking for a talented structural engineer who will serve as both an individual contributor and a technical leader in the design and analysis of large-scale steel and steel-reinforced concrete structures. You will be responsible for creating, analyzing, and constructing structures that can withstand flight-like loads on Starship test articles. Given the rapid pace of iteration and the scale of forces involved, you will face the challenge of designing innovative, efficient, and cost-effective structural solutions.

SpaceX is seeking a Structures Design Engineer to help shape the spacecraft and launch vehicles at Starbase, TX. This role centers on developing and refining the structural components that enable complex space missions. Role overview Work alongside a skilled engineering team to design, analyze, and test spacecraft structures. The position involves hands-on problem solving and collaboration throughout the development process. What you will do Create and improve structural designs for spacecraft and launch vehicles Participate in engineering reviews and technical discussions Support testing and analysis to ensure reliability and mission success Location This position is based at Starbase, TX.

At SpaceX, we believe in a future where humanity explores the cosmos, and we are dedicated to turning that vision into reality. Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies that facilitate human life on Mars and beyond.STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (STARSHIP INFRASTRUCTURE)As we progress rapidly in our Starship program, we are entering an exciting phase of infrastructure expansion. With an increasing launch cadence, we require multiple high-rise facilities to support the construction and refurbishment of our next-generation spacecraft across various locations. We are seeking skilled structural engineers to specialize in the design and development of these vertical integration facilities, crucial for our lunar and Martian ambitions.

At SpaceX, we believe that a future where humanity explores the cosmos is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are at the forefront of developing groundbreaking technologies that propel us toward that vision, with the ultimate goal of establishing human presence on Mars.BUILD ENGINEER (STARSHIP)As a Build Engineer within the Starship team, you will play a pivotal role in creating and validating manufacturing processes for high-rate, mixed-product assembly of propulsion systems, avionics, and welded structures. Your focus will encompass design for manufacturability, implementation of error-proofing systems, enhancing product yield, and integrating automation to minimize takt and cycle times.

Join SpaceX as a Build Specialist in Automation & Controls, where you will play a crucial role in transforming the future of space exploration. The Starship Tower & Launch Mount team is seeking talented professionals to facilitate the development of advanced launch pads. Your primary responsibility will be to integrate detailed designs with practical implementations, which involves planning installations, managing supply chains for essential components, and collaborating with field teams. You'll contribute to systems that will interface with next-generation Starship vehicles, ensuring rapid automated launches with no manual interventions.

At SpaceX, we believe that a future where humanity explores the cosmos is far more thrilling than one where we remain confined to Earth. Our mission is to develop the technologies that will make interplanetary life possible, with a vision of enabling human existence on Mars.Build Engineer (Starship)Join our dynamic Starship team as a Build Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in designing and qualifying manufacturing processes for high-rate production of propulsion systems, avionics, and welded structural assemblies. Your focus will be on enhancing design for manufacturability, implementing error-proofing systems, boosting product yield, and automating processes to reduce both takt and cycle times.

At SpaceX, we are driven by the vision of a future where humanity explores the cosmos. Our mission is to develop groundbreaking technologies that pave the way for life on Mars. Join us in this exciting journey!STRUCTURAL ENGINEER - LAUNCH PAD DEVELOPMENT (STARSHIP)As a pivotal member of our elite launch pad development team, you will collaborate with top-tier engineers across various disciplines to design, construct, and activate a cutting-edge orbital launch pad and its supporting infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance the launch capabilities of Starship, the world's most powerful rocket.

At SpaceX, we are driven by the vision of making humanity a multi-planetary species. Our pioneering efforts are focused on innovating the technology required for interstellar exploration, with an ultimate aim of establishing human life on Mars.BUILD ENGINEER (SUPER HEAVY BOOSTER)As a Build Engineer on the Starship team, you will play a key role in developing and qualifying high-rate, mixed-product manufacturing processes for propulsion, avionics, and structural assemblies. Your mission will center on design for manufacturability, implementing poka-yoke systems, enhancing product yield, and automating processes to optimize takt and cycle times.

Join SpaceX as a Senior Structural Engineer on the launch pad development team, where you will collaborate with top-tier engineers across various disciplines to design, construct, and activate a second orbital launch pad and its supporting infrastructure for the Starship rocket. This pivotal role is based in the vibrant Starbase, Texas, near Brownsville and South Padre Island.

As a Build Reliability Engineer at SpaceX, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the robustness and reliability of our Starship program. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate potential risks involved in the design and manufacturing processes.

Join SpaceX as a Build Supervisor and play a crucial role in leading a talented team of fabricators, welders, and technicians dedicated to constructing the primary and secondary structures of the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. As the on-site leader, you will drive operational progress daily, transforming engineering directives into reality. Your leadership will foster a productive and engaging work environment while managing labor resources, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring that your team achieves exceptional results. This role requires an inspiring leader who is actively involved in the building process alongside the team.

Join SpaceX as a Senior Structures Analyst and be at the forefront of engineering innovation in reusable launch vehicles. The vehicle engineering team is dedicated to solving the most complex challenges in space exploration, working on iconic projects such as Starship, Falcon 9, and Crew Dragon. Your expertise in structural analysis will contribute to the design and development of vehicles that extend humanity's reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond. In this role, you will create and implement structural analysis tools, perform detailed structural evaluations, and collaborate with a dynamic team to push the boundaries of aerospace engineering.

At SpaceX, we believe that a future where humanity explores the stars is far more exciting than one where we remain earthbound. We are pioneering the technologies to make this future a reality, with our ultimate aim of enabling human life on Mars.STRUCTURAL WELDER (TOOLING OPERATIONS)KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Execute FCAW and SMAW welding processes; cut, trim, fit, and fabricate metal components to precise dimensions for construction and assembly.Work closely with lead welders to ensure accurate assessment of weld procedures, material types, and rod sizes for each project.Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations when procedural guidance is not available.Continuously seek to enhance operations, reduce turnaround times, and streamline work processes through effective teamwork.Perform additional related duties as assigned to promote an efficient and productive work environment.Weld and fabricate a variety of small to large-scale structures and assemblies.Communicate effectively with management, engineering personnel, and planners to optimize build efficiency.Verify work completion against drawings after each task to ensure accuracy.Handle and dispose of hazardous materials according to established protocols.Install and assemble both custom and off-the-shelf tooling.Set up safety equipment and work platforms at heights.Operate general shop equipment and vehicles, including forklifts, boom lifts, and scissor lifts.