Build Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Texas seeks a Build Engineer for the Super Heavy Booster team. The successful candidate will develop manufacturing processes and implement tooling to improve assembly accuracy and efficiency. Responsibilities include automating production, conducting inspections, and collaborating with design engineering. Applicants should hold a relevant engineering degree and 1+ years of design experience. This position requires physical dexterity and the ability to work in diverse environments.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of manufacturing and process design experience, including internships.
• Experience with welding processes and inspections.
• Knowledge of SQL or data management tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and perform acceptance testing for manufacturing processes.
• Design precision tools to eliminate assembly errors.
• Automate processes ensuring repeatability on production lines.
• Manage parts transition from development to high-rate production.

Skills

Process design

Manufacturing engineering

Mechanical assembly methods

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering

Job description

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.

BUILD ENGINEER (SUPER HEAVY BOOSTER)

As a build engineer on the Super Heavy Booster 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 50 lbs. (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 25 lbs. (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 500 ft), 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. * 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 [e-mail].