Build Engineer (Starship)

About the role

As a Build Engineer on the Starship team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the manufacturing processes for various components, including propulsion systems, avionics, and structural assemblies. This position emphasizes the need to optimize production efficiency, implement fail-safe mechanisms, and automate workflows to achieve ambitious manufacturing targets. Your contributions will directly impact the speed and quality of production, ensuring that SpaceX can meet its goals for the Starship program.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and validate innovative manufacturing techniques and tools aimed at supporting high-volume production capabilities.
• Engineer precision tooling solutions that minimize assembly mistakes and enhance overall cycle times.
• Implement automation for repetitive tasks to guarantee uniform output across various manufacturing lines.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers to enhance vehicle architecture and flight hardware, focusing on manufacturability improvements.
• Create automated inspection processes that significantly increase product yield and quality assurance.
• Oversee the transition of hardware from the initial development phase to full-scale production, ensuring a smooth handover.
• Optimize production requirements to reduce unnecessary process overhead and streamline operations.
• Analyze production workflows and identify areas for improvement, implementing changes that lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs.
• Provide technical support and guidance to manufacturing teams, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety standards.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to address challenges and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Document processes and maintain records to ensure compliance with industry standards and internal protocols.
• Engage in training and mentoring of junior engineers and technicians to foster skill development and knowledge sharing within the team.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace, manufacturing, materials science, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field is required.
• At least one year of experience in manufacturing or process design, which may include relevant academic projects or internships.
• Candidates must comply with ITAR regulations, meaning they must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including climbing, kneeling, crouching, and working in confined spaces or at heights of up to 500 feet.
• Willingness to work in extreme outdoor conditions, around noise and fumes, and maintain a flexible work schedule as needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Nice to have

• A master's degree in an engineering discipline is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with mixed value stream or high-rate production lines is advantageous.
• Familiarity with mechanical assembly, troubleshooting, and conducting failure mode effects analysis (FMEA).
• Experience in integrating propulsion, thermal, electrical, or structural systems into manufacturing processes.
• Background in developing or enhancing welding processes and automated inspection methodologies.
• Proficiency in SQL or similar data management tools for tracking performance metrics and production data.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in SQL and data analysis tools
• Expertise in mechanical assembly techniques
• Strong foundation in process design principles
• Knowledge of failure mode effects analysis (FMEA)
• Familiarity with weld inspection techniques and standards

Practical notes

• Physical demands of the role include standing for extended periods (up to 6 hours), lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds, and pushing or pulling loads of up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional travel to remote build sites may be necessary, with an estimated travel requirement of up to 10 percent.
• Candidates may be required to undergo a pre-employment physical examination or provide a medical history to verify their ability to work in specialized environments.

Joining SpaceX as a Build Engineer for the Starship program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in aerospace manufacturing. If you are passionate about innovation and eager to be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of space exploration, we encourage you to apply.