Mechanical Engineer (Structures), Starship Infrastructure

About the role

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make humanity multiplanetary, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. Our elite Starbase team is building the infrastructure required to make humanity multiplanetary at unprecedented speed and scale. We are seeking a structures-focused Mechanical Engineer to own the design and delivery of critical production infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design of Starship production infrastructure of varying scales from smaller tooling fixtures and jigs to assembly line support structures and entire factory buildings/bays
• Perform structural analysis and design of steel, concrete, composite, and similar materials under static, dynamic, vibration, and handling loads using hand calculations and finite element analysis
• Develop and review structural drawings, connection details, fabrication packages, and erection/assembly sequences for complex structures and tooling
• Partner with manufacturing, operations, facilities, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fluids, and construction teams to integrate structural systems with production equipment, cranes, material handling, and operational requirements
• Support fabrication and construction activities, including review of shop drawings, weld procedures, and resolution of field issues during installation and integration
• Drive design decisions that balance performance, cost, schedule, and constructability for high-volume production environments
• Manage scopes through the full project lifecycle — from concept and preliminary design through detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, and turnover
• Interface with external engineering firms, consultants, fabricators, and construction contractors to ensure designs meet SpaceX standards and are executed to specification
• Perform project control functions including scheduling, budgeting, and risk management
• Resolve conflicts in the field in real time and implement rapid design changes when required
• Own end-to-end delivery of projects with extreme ownership, ensuring on-time and on-budget performance

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, structural engineering, or aerospace engineering and 1+ years of professional experience in structural design or analysis of steel structures, aero-structures, heavy industrial equipment, or large-scale mechanical systems

Skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, think critically, and drive successful outcomes
• Strong background in structural design of large systems/assemblies using carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other commonly used structural materials
• Experience designing or analyzing structures for various load cases including dynamic loads, vibration, heavy lifting, or material handling environments
• Proficiency with structural analysis/FEM software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, FEMAP, NASTRAN, ETABS or equivalent)
• Proficiency with 3D modeling tools Siemens NX and/or Revit
• Experience with structural detailing, fabrication drawings, and application of GD&T for structures and tooling
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, welding, heavy lift planning, or steel erection
• Demonstrated ability to own projects from concept through build and commissioning
• Experience working on industrial facilities, production lines, GSE, or manufacturing tooling structures
• Familiarity with concrete, foundations, anchorage, and how they integrate with mechanical and production systems/structures
• Ability to read and create detailed structural drawings, connection details, and fabrication packages
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work across engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams
• Extreme ownership mentality and comfort operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

Additional Requirements

Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support site operations and construction activities. Willingness to work in outdoor environments at a remote coastal location.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.