New Graduate Engineer, Mechanical

About the role

Joining the Starbase team places you at the focal point of developing flight hardware and high-volume production systems for the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. In this capacity, you will directly contribute to the design, analysis, and manufacturing processes that are essential for making humanity multiplanetary. The role involves direct ownership of hardware development and rapid iteration within a high-stakes, fast-moving environment. You will work alongside some of the most innovative minds in aerospace to solve complex engineering challenges. This position is integral to advancing the core mission of vehicle development and production scalability. Success in this role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to operational excellence. You will be expected to execute with a high degree of ownership and initiative from the outset.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the design and development of launch vehicles, production lines, and launch infrastructure to meet evolving mission objectives.
• Convert complex system requirements into detailed hardware architectures and conduct rigorous trade studies to optimize performance and manufacturability.
• Execute hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to refine and validate designs, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with specifications.
• Accelerate manufacturing and testing cycles within a fast-paced production setting to support rapid vehicle iteration and deployment.
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, including propulsion, guidance, and avionics, to integrate hardware across all Starship systems seamlessly.
• Manage design reviews with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to communicate progress, address concerns, and align on technical direction.
• Drive continuous improvements for existing and future vehicle hardware through data analysis and innovative engineering solutions.
• Take full ownership of significant business and engineering outcomes, ensuring project deliverables are met on schedule and to standard.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation for all design changes, test results, and manufacturing processes.
• Support the development of fixtures, jigs, and tooling required for the production and assembly of vehicle components.
• Perform root cause analysis on test anomalies and production issues to implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure all hardware development adheres to strict aerospace standards and protocols.
• Assist in the creation of test procedures and evaluation methods to validate hardware performance under operational conditions.
• Engage in hands-on prototyping and build verification testing to support rapid design cycles and iterative improvements.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree in engineering or physics, with a graduation date in 2026 or 2027, demonstrating foundational knowledge in relevant disciplines.
• Possess a minimum of 1 year of experience in mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build activities through internships, research, or project teams, showcasing practical application of theoretical knowledge.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations, ensuring eligibility for handling controlled technologies.
• Demonstrate the ability to work extended hours and weekends as required to meet project deadlines and respond to critical operational needs.
• Exhibit the capability to work at heights up to 500 feet, in confined spaces, and while wearing an air-purifying respirator during specific operational tasks.
• Possess the physical ability to lift up to 25lbs, push or pull up to 50lbs, and perform various movements such as climbing, walking, and standing for specified daily durations essential for job functions.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and have the ability to pass a background check as part of the employment verification process.
• Show a strong commitment to safety protocols and the ability to adhere to all workplace guidelines in a high-risk engineering environment.
• Be prepared to undergo a pre-employment physical or medical questionnaire to verify physical capabilities for the role's demands.
• Willingness to relocate to Starbase, TX as relocation is a mandatory condition of employment for this position.

Nice to have

• Proven history of success in competitive engineering, math, or science environments, demonstrating excellence and tenacity in challenging scenarios.
• Experience with scrappy, entrepreneurial engineering organizations under tight deadlines, showcasing adaptability and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions using first principles to solve complex problems effectively.
• History of balancing multiple high-performance endeavors simultaneously, managing competing priorities with efficiency.
• Track record of rapid professional growth and increasing responsibility, showing a quick learning curve and strong potential.
• Demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant technical or project-based obstacles, maintaining composure under pressure.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to assess and optimize mechanical designs for performance and durability.
• Strong capabilities in mechanical design, including conceptualization, modeling, and detailed drawing creation.
• Solid understanding of fluids design principles as they apply to vehicle performance and system integration.
• Hands-on experience in hardware development, from initial concept through to prototype and test validation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process iteration techniques to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Familiarity with relevant industry software tools used for design, simulation, and documentation purposes.

Practical notes

• Relocation to Starbase, TX is required for this position.
• Pre-employment physical or medical questionnaire may be required to verify physical capabilities necessary for the role.
• SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Accommodations for the application process are available via EEOCompliance@spacex.com for individuals requiring assistance.