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Sr. Build Engineer (Special Projects)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA Merlin Engineering 23h ago

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Sr. Build Engineer (Special Projects)

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA

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Merlin Engineering Hawthorne, CA Posted May 9, 2026

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.

SR. BUILD ENGINEER (SPECIAL PROJECTS)

As a Senior Build & Test Engineer supporting special projects, you will be responsible for developing the manufacturing processes, tooling, integration, and production systems that enable high-rate production of complex hardware. Working in concert with other stakeholders, you will handle manufacturing projects ranging from GSE design and procurement, to integration planning, proof and leak testing, and system checkouts. You will collaborate daily with design engineering, project management, build, and customer teams, driving meaningful changes to parts, processes, planning, and tooling to improve the overall system. You will be well-positioned to influence vehicle architecture with a focus on manufacturability, assembly optimization, and design reliability.

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
Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate hardware production
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
Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team
Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
Optimize designs and processes for assembly, manufacturability, and testability
Track build status, push designs forward, and maintain momentum on critical path activities
Determine assembly-level proof and leak test requirements and support their successful execution
Specify and design Ground Support Equipment (GSE); provide factory layout and infrastructure input
Develop detailed integration plans and ensure successful system checkouts prior to customer delivery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
5+ years of engineering experience in aerospace manufacturing or production

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
Experience with the build, assembly, integration, or testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical, and/or structural systems
Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
Hands-on experience with proof and leak testing, system checkouts, and hardware acceptance processes
Familiarity with GSE design and procurement and production system and layout design

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Hardware typically is assembled in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, lifting up to 25 lbs, and working in cramped positions in small openings
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Must be able to work extended hours and weekends based on site operational needs
Flexibility to travel up to 25% to remote sites as needed
Must be capable of working at heights, in confined spaces, and operating heavy equipment when required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Build Engineer/Senior: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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