Structures Design Engineer

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structures Design Engineer for the Starship Structural Test team. This role involves designing and building hardware for critical testing functions, including metallic structures and fluid systems. The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, strong skills in CAD software like NX or SolidWorks, and at least one year of design experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents due to ITAR requirements. Flexibility in work schedule, physical dexterity, and problem-solving abilities are critical for success.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of mechanical design and drafting experience including internships or personal projects.
• Solid understanding and use of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups.
• Hands-on experience in design processes under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Design metallic structures and fluid systems on tight timelines.
• Create and update detailed assembly drawings.
• Review specifications to create mechanical systems.

Skills

3D CAD software proficiency

Mechanical design

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Creative problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

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.

STRUCTURES DESIGN ENGINEER - STARSHIP STRUCTURAL TEST

The structures design engineer designs and builds hardware to support the Starship Structural Test team. This role includes creating test fixtures, large structural weldments, mechanical interfaces, and fluid systems for system‑level static and dynamic structural testing. You will make fast decisions, solve tough problems in the moment, and own projects from start to finish. The job requires you to build deep knowledge in design for manufacturability and test, especially for fluid and hydraulic systems, welded structures, subassembly design, and fabrication. If you want to own hardware, get away from your desk, and work directly with the Starship Structural Test team and skilled technicians, this may be the right role for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design metallic structures and ground cryogenic, gas, and hydraulic systems on fast timelines
• Review specifications and other engineering data to create mechanical systems
• Update designs and drawings through engineering change orders to keep up with SpaceX's rapid design changes
• Create detailed component and assembly drawings with a strong grasp of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack‑ups

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of mechanical design and drafting experience (including internships or personal projects)
• Experience with 3D computer‑aided design (CAD) software (NX, SolidWorks, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Solid understanding and use of GD&T and tolerance stack‑ups
• Hands‑on experience in school clubs or project teams where you designed hardware in tight systems under clear deadlines
• Familiarity with sheet metal design, welded structures, and fluid systems
• Ability to manage large assembly models and drawings
• Strong ability to communicate and work well in a team with daily contact with technicians, engineers, and leaders
• Creative problem solver who brings different teams together to gain support for one clear design direction
• Self‑motivated with strong multitasking, organization, communication, and documentation skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, 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.

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].