Build Engineer (Crew Starship)
This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee.
About the role
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 (CREW STARSHIP)
As a Build Engineer for Crew Starship, you will be responsible for developing the manufacturing and test processes for cabin structures, life support, and thermal control components.
Working with the design engineering team, you will be responsible for developing the build and integration processes for a variety of crewed hardware. The team is making a transition from design to build with integration execution. You will be well positioned to have a significant impact on the overall production strategy and reliability improvements for the vehicle.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own the project management, planning, build, and integration of next generation crew spaceflight hardware
- Develop manufacturing processes, techniques, and tools to enable efficient and high-rate manufacturing for the Crew Starship vehicle. Examples of hardware include crew privacy modules, windows, floors, fans, pumps, dehumidifiers, etc.
- Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate hardware production
- Coordinate and execute build, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
- Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
- Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or integration
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- 2+ years of experience with GD&T concepts
- Experience with structures, mechanisms, or interior design or manufacturing in aerospace or aviation industries
- Experience with basic structures calculations, analysis, and design considerations
- Familiarity with process development, facility and line layouts, error-proofing
- Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages
- Prior experience with developing, maintaining, and improving welding processes
- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to other engineers, production teams, 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
- 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 in Texas and Florida for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Pay Range
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
Copied from the listing SpaceX published, verified 30 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 13 questions.
- 1.Please specifyShort answer · optional
- 2.GPA (Undergraduate)Pick one (13 options)
- 3.GPA (Graduate)Pick one (13 options)
- 4.GPA (Doctorate)Pick one (13 options)
- 5.SAT ScorePick one (156 options)
- 6.ACT ScorePick one (19 options)
- 7.GRE ScorePick one (155 options)
- 8.Active Security Clearance(s)Pick any (8 options)
- 9.SpaceX & SpaceXAI Employment HistoryPick one
- 10.Can you perform all of the essential functions of this role with or without reasonable accommodations?Yes or no
- 11.Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?Pick one
- 12.Citizenship StatusPick one
- 13.If (f) Other, please explain:Short answer · optional
Taken from the application form SpaceX runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.
About SpaceX
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