Build Engineer (Starship)

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 (STARSHIP)

As a build engineer on the Starship team, you will be responsible for developing and qualifying processes for high-rate, mixed-product manufacturing of propulsion, avionics, and welded structural assemblies. Focus will be on design for manufacturing, implementing poka-yoke systems, increasing product yield, and automation as required to minimize takt and cycle times.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and perform acceptance testing of manufacturing processes, techniques, and tools to enable efficient and high-rate manufacturing

Design and implement precision tooling to eliminate assembly error, improve quality, and minimize cycle time

Automate novel processes to ensure repeatability on high-rate manufacturing lines

Work closely with design engineering teams to influence flight design and vehicle architecture with design for manufacturing improvements

Develop and/or automate in-situ inspection techniques to increase yield and decrease cycle time

Manage transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production

Challenge and simplify requirements to optimize processes and reduce overhead

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

1+ years of manufacturing and process design experience (internship and academic experience is applicable)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in an engineering discipline

Hands-on project experience with mixed value stream or high-rate manufacturing lines, focusing on maximizing yield and increasing rate

Proficiency in mechanical assembly methods, testing, failure mode effects analysis, and troubleshooting

Experience with integration and testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical, and/or structural systems

Prior experience with developing, maintaining, and improving weld processes and weld inspection techniques, inclusive of automation

Experience using SQL or other data management structures to inform priorities and measure performance

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, up to 10%

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day

Walk: Up to 1 hour per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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 here.