← Back to results

Build Engineer, COPVS (Starship)

Join SpaceX as a Build Engineer to advance manufacturing systems for Starship and Super Heavy Booster.

Location
Westminster, MD
Compensation
$100k–$140k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time · On-site

Posted by employer 3 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 3 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Requirements

Experience
1+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Relocation Assistance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

The Build Engineer for COPVs at SpaceX plays a crucial role in the production and qualification of hardware for the Starship and Super Heavy Booster, focusing on design, analysis, and manufacturing processes. This position requires a solid foundation in mechanical or aerospace engineering, along with experience in manufacturing and production techniques, particularly in large mechanical assemblies. Ideal candidates are likely to have a background in aerospace engineering and a strong understanding of both composite and metallic manufacturing processes. The role is situated within a fast-paced environment that emphasizes innovation and efficiency in aerospace production.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze July 17, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page November 6, 2026.
  • Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$127,600).
  • Starts above 11% of 63 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Mechanical Engineering we track (median $100,000 across 14 companies). See Mechanical Engineering salary trends
  • Mechanical Engineering appears in 4.3% of 3405 comparable mid other roles in United States; Aerospace Engineering appears in 1.8% of 3405 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Build Engineer, COPVS (Starship) role remote?
No — this is an on-site role in Westminster, MD.
What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $100,000–$140,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this Build Engineer, COPVS (Starship) role.
Where is the role based?
SpaceX is hiring for this position in Westminster, MD.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Aerospace Engineering, CAD, Mechanical Engineering.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Build Engineer, COPVS (Starship) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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, COPVS (STARSHIP)

The build engineer is responsible for production, qualification, and the design/analysis of hardware manufactured on the lines, as well as advancement of the manufacturing system itself. Development scope includes identifying inputs, detailed design and analysis, design reviews, qualification, and production implementation. This includes mechanical testing, weld process development, inspection techniques, personnel access, and all associated tooling required to create COPVs for Starship and Super Heavy Booster. Additional responsibilities include developing and reviewing work instructions as designs evolve and resolving issues that often require one-off analysis to determine the path forward.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work closely with vehicle analysts to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
  • Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
  • Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
  • Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
  • Lead the on-site design engineering for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
  • Create and maintain build schedules
  • Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
  • Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
  • Partner with engineering & production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
  • Source, retain, and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
  • 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
  • Involvement in a professional engineering society or collegiate design project
  • Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
  • Knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to resin curing, cylinder cleaning & inspection, and pressurized testing
  • Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
  • 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
  • Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Position will be based in Westminster, MD and will require relocation if not already local
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends based on site operational needs
  • Stand: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
  • Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
  • Kneel/Crouch: N/A
  • Upper body twist: N/A

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 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:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

Similar positions

SpaceX
SpaceX
Sr. Build Engineer (Starship)
SpaceX · Starbase, TX
SpaceX
Build Engineer (Starship)
SpaceX · Starbase, TX