Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship)

spacex· Starship Tooling Engineering
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📍 Starbase, TX

About this role

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, MACHINE DESIGN (STARSHIP)

As a member of the Starship Tooling team, you will work with a team of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate critical production assets required to build the Starship launch vehicle. This position is based at our Starship production facility in Brownsville, Texas but may involve work on designs that are implemented across all of SpaceX’s sites supporting the Starship program. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Design, build, and activate custom machinery and infrastructure to enable the production and handling of Starship launch vehicles
  • Develop the Starfactory and Gigafactory of the future to enable rapid build, test, and operation of our transport architectures
  • Collaborate with vehicle engineers to influence vehicle design and manufacturing processes to maximize production rate
  • Use your technical knowledge to execute on structural sizing, mechanism design, hardware fabrication, and activation testing to deliver results on projects
  • Create detailed models and engineering prints in NX
  • Perform engineering hand calculations and analysis to size structures and mechanisms.
  • Create manufacturing planning for scope performed by internal welding and toolmaking teams.
  • Support machine activation with controls engineering team and perform development testing with production engineering team.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • Experience using a CAD software design package (e.g. Solidworks, NX, CATIA, or ProE)
  • 1+ years of total experience in one or more of the following: involvement with an outside of the classroom project designing and building mechanical structures; academic research on mechanical structures; professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, including daily interactions with engineers, technicians, suppliers, and leadership
  • Experience working in a production facility with equipment and machinery
  • Experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings
  • Experience with finite element analysis
  • Experience designing and fabricating mass efficient welded structures
  • Experience designing and testing mechanisms
  • Strong understanding and application of GD&T

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
  • Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
  • Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) position at spacex?
The salary for this Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) role at spacex is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) position at spacex located?
This Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) role at spacex is based in Starbase, TX. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) at spacex belong to?
This Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) position is part of the Starship Tooling Engineering department at spacex. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) position at spacex?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to spacex's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) job at spacex posted?
This Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship) position at spacex was posted on May 20, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship)
spacex
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