Graduate Mechanical Engineer - Spaceflight Hardware

SpaceX; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a December 2026 new graduate Engineer, Mechanical (Starship) to join the Starbase team. You will design, analyze and build mechanical hardware for Starship and Super Heavy, aligning your work to the most impactful part of the program—design, analysis, test, structures, fluids, manufacturing and more.

You will perform hand calculations, enable rapid iteration of manufacturing processes, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure hardware integrates with all systems and

Qualifications

• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data‑driven decisions.
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
• Experience working at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position with tight constraints.
• Excelled in ultra‑competitive environments in engineering, math, or science contexts.
• Experience building hardware or contributing to real-world work products.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of next generation launch vehicles, launch pad and production lines.
• Transform system requirements into hardware concepts and trade implementation options.
• Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess and optimize designs.
• Rapidly iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure hardware integrates with Starship systems and supports mission operations.
• Participate in design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas and improvements for current and next‑generation vehicles.
• Own large business outcomes.

Skills

Data-driven decisions

First principles

Trade studies

Engineering fundamentals

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering or physics (2026/2027)

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a December 2026 new graduate Engineer, Mechanical (Starship) to join the Starbase team. You will design, analyze and build mechanical hardware for Starship and Super Heavy, aligning your work to the most impactful part of the program—design, analysis, test, structures, fluids, manufacturing and more.

You will perform hand calculations, enable rapid iteration of manufacturing processes, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure hardware integrates with all systems and