Starship Launch & Test Engineer — New Grad

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Brownsville, TX, seeks a New Graduate Engineer for Launch & Test (Starship) to contribute to the design, analysis, activation, and operation of the Starship tower, launch mount, fluid systems, and test stands that enable rapid iteration and high launch cadence.

This entry‑level role offers hands‑on work with real hardware, competitive collaboration with vehicle, software, and operations teams, and a path to impact testing, launch, and recovery activities.

Qualifications

• Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in 2026 or 2027.
• Degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience via project team, research, internships, and/or professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, and development of Starship launch mount, tower, and test infrastructure
• Perform structural, thermal, and fluids analysis to evaluate and optimize hardware designs
• Contribute to fluid systems that handle cryogens and high‑pressure gases for testing and launch operations
• Collaborate with vehicle, software, and operations teams to ensure systems integrate and perform reliably
• Participate in design reviews and help translate requirements into manufacturable hardware
• Work hands‑on with technicians to build, activate, and troubleshoot systems in a fast‑paced environment
• Assist with test planning, real‑time operations support, and post‑test data review
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, reduce turnaround time, and increase launch rate
• Drive rapid iteration by applying engineering fundamentals to solve complex, real‑world problems

Skills

Data-driven decisions

First principles thinking

Engineering fundamentals

Rapid growth experiences

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering or physics

Job description

SpaceX in Brownsville, TX, seeks a New Graduate Engineer for Launch & Test (Starship) to contribute to the design, analysis, activation, and operation of the Starship tower, launch mount, fluid systems, and test stands that enable rapid iteration and high launch cadence.

This entry‑level role offers hands‑on work with real hardware, competitive collaboration with vehicle, software, and operations teams, and a path to impact testing, launch, and recovery activities.