Mechanical Engineer, Cabin Structures (Crew Starship)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Brownsville, Texas is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the Crew Starship project. This role involves designing and developing crucial spacecraft structures. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and mechanical design experience.

Your responsibilities will include leading interdisciplinary collaboration, conducting structural analysis, and managing project timelines. A background in aerospace is preferred, and a commitment to technical excellence is essential.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of structural analysis and failure modes.
• Ability to perform trade studies and make recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of structures for Crew Starship.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Own project delivery timeline from design through production.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

Structural analysis

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)

Data-driven decision making

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

NX

Job description

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, CABIN STRUCTURES (CREW STARSHIP)

After 50 years, humankind will once again return to the surface of the moon using SpaceX's new vehicle, Crew Starship (also known as HLS or the Human Landing System) - this time for good. Starship will usher in the next era of crewed spaceflight and exploration, ultimately allowing us to establish permanent communities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As a Mechanical Engineer on the Crew Starship team, you will design and build spacecraft systems that are critical to the success and safety of future astronauts. Disciplines within this team include primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and crew‑interfacing hardware. Your design solutions will be driven by all future Crew Starship missions (Lunar, Mars, etc.). This role requires full hardware ownership, from initial design requirements and concepts all the way through design, analysis, prototype, qualification, and integration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the design and development of next generation structures, mechanisms, or interior systems for Crew Starship vehicles
• 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 necessary mission operations
• Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers (e.g., NASA)
• Negotiate complex trade studies to optimize for cost, schedule, safety, and performance, among other considerations
• Be responsible for project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and recovery
• Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis (internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
• Leadership experience on an engineering or project team
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data‑driven decisions
• Experience with structures, mechanisms, or interior design in aerospace or aviation industries
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
• Experienced in NX
• Solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Technical knowledge of human spacecraft systems and operations
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to other engineers, stakeholders, management, and executive staff
• Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Ability to travel to remote sites in Texas and Florida
• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

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.