New Graduate Engineer, Launch & Test

About the role

You will contribute to the infrastructure required to make humanity multiplanetary by designing and operating the systems that support Starship. This role focuses on the launch mount, tower, and fluid systems, requiring direct involvement in hardware development and rapid iteration cycles. You will translate high-level mission objectives into specific mechanical and fluid infrastructure that can survive the harsh conditions of launch and reusability. The work demands close collaboration across disciplines to ensure that ground support systems are ready when vehicle development progresses. You will be expected to operate with minimal supervision while maintaining strict attention to safety and system integrity. This position is critical for turning design concepts into the physical backbone of Starship operations at the Starbase facility. Your daily responsibilities will directly influence the cadence and reliability of the launch campaign.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design structural elements for the launch mount and tower to manage dynamic loads during vehicle events.
• Perform detailed structural analysis to validate integrity under flight hardware reaction loads and environmental conditions.
• Conduct thermal analysis of support systems exposed to cryogenic and high-temperature transient events.
• Design and implement fluid systems for the storage, transfer, and distribution of cryogens and high-pressure gases.
• Execute system integration activities in coordination with vehicle, software, and operations engineering teams.
• Translate technical specifications into hardware drawings and build documents for technicians and suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with technicians to fabricate, assemble, and activate complex ground support infrastructure.
• Participate in design reviews, designating action items and tracking decisions to resolve open issues.
• Assist in developing test plans that outline procedures, safety measures, and success criteria for ground tests.
• Support real-time operations during testing, monitoring system behavior and ensuring adherence to procedures.
• Perform post-test data evaluation to identify performance deviations and guide corrective improvements.
• Investigate and document failure modes to prevent recurrence and strengthen future design iterations.
• Identify and implement methods to improve system reliability and accelerate overall launch cadence.
• Drive initiatives to standardize processes, streamline workflows, and reduce manual errors in ground operations.

Requirements

• You will graduate with a bachelor, master, or PhD in engineering or physics in 2026 or 2027, and this timeline is a strict requirement for consideration.
• You must possess a minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience in mechanical or fluid design, analysis, or build work, gained through internships, research roles, or project teams.
• You must be capable of working extended hours and weekends as dictated by project timelines and test schedules without exception.
• You must be willing to relocate to the Starbase, TX area and integrate into the local team environment promptly upon arrival.
• You must demonstrate the physical capability to work at heights extending up to 500 feet while maintaining safety compliance and situational awareness.
• You must be comfortable entering confined spaces as required to inspect, install, or maintain infrastructure components in tight environments.
• You must be able to use air purifying respirators correctly and adhere to all respiratory protection protocols in designated areas.
• You must be able to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 25lbs, pushing or pulling up to 50lbs, and standing or walking for several hours continuously during operational windows.
• You must be able to read, write, and communicate technical information clearly and effectively in the English language on a daily basis.
• You must comply with all site safety rules, including personal protective equipment requirements and procedural controls during all assigned tasks.
• You must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for this position at this time.
• You must be detail oriented and able to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
• You must be willing to adapt to evolving procedures, changing technical requirements, and new tools as the program advances.
• You must maintain a strong commitment to professionalism, integrity, and collaboration while representing the team in cross functional interactions.

Nice to have

• You have a proven ability to make data-driven decisions and perform trade studies using first principles to evaluate design options.
• You bring a background in nimble, high-technical environments where constrained resources require creative problem solving and efficiency.
• You have a history of success in competitive engineering competitions, academic challenges, or projects that demonstrate initiative and results orientation.
• You have demonstrated capacity for rapid professional growth and can handle multiple concurrent responsibilities with strong organizational skills.
• You have proven resilience in overcoming significant technical or project-based obstacles, showing persistence and adaptability under pressure.

Skills & tools

• A solid grasp of engineering fundamentals including mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid behavior under varying conditions.
• Experience with structural analysis methods to assess stress, strain, and deflection in mechanical components and assemblies.
• Familiarity with thermal analysis techniques to evaluate heat transfer, insulation, and temperature gradients in system designs.
• Knowledge of fluid systems design for cryogenic fluids, pressurization, and flow control in high-performance applications.
• Hands on experience in hardware troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementing practical fixes in operational settings.

Practical notes

• ITAR compliance is mandatory: applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to be considered.
• Candidates may be required to complete a pre-employment physical or medical questionnaire as part of the hiring process.
• All employment is subject to SpaceX policy and federal regulations, and the company remains an Equal Opportunity Employer in all locations.
• This role is based at the Starbase, TX facility and requires on site presence with limited remote flexibility for this position.
• Travel may be required between shifts or for specific test activities as directed by operational leadership.
• The timeline for filling this role is aligned with project needs, and early application is strongly encouraged to secure consideration.
• Start dates will be determined based on hiring milestones, onboarding requirements, and team readiness at the facility.