Join SpaceX as a Principal Mechanical Engineer to design and build critical infrastructure for power generation and supercompute at Starbase.
Posted by employer 1 day ago
First seen on Joblaze 22 hours ago
Last verified on the company career page 22 hours ago
Skills & Technologies
What you'll build
- Develop design concepts for infrastructure systems
- Collaborate with peers to develop designs
- Create detailed designs and CAD models
- Validate designs through development hardware
- Support installation of hardware in the field
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 7+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis
Nice to have
- Experience designing high performance mechanical systems
- Experience with FEA or multiphysics simulation package
- Strong understanding of mechanical first principles
- Analytical/scientific programming experience
Practical constraints
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed
Requirements
- Experience
- 7+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- Sponsorship available
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation.
Joblaze summary
The Principal Mechanical Engineer at SpaceX focuses on developing and overseeing the mechanical systems for power generation and supercomputing at Starbase, managing projects from initial concept through to commissioning. Key skills include mechanical design, analysis, and proficiency with simulation tools, alongside a strong grasp of first principles in engineering. This role is suited for experienced engineers with a background in high-performance mechanical systems and a collaborative mindset. The position involves close interaction with various teams to ensure designs meet operational needs and performance standards.
Joblaze insights
- Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 11, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 11, 2026.
- This exact title is also open at 3 other locations at SpaceX: Remote - TX, Starbase, TX, Hawthorne, CA.
- Python appears in 21.6% of 190 comparable principal other roles in United States; CAD appears in 2.1% of 190 comparable principal other roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Principal Mechanical Engineer (Starship) role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Starbase, TX, United States.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 7 years of relevant experience for this Principal Mechanical Engineer (Starship) role.
- Where is the role based?
- SpaceX is hiring for this position in Starbase, TX, United States.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: CAD, FEA, MATLAB, Mechanical Engineering, Python.
- 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 principal-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Principal Mechanical Engineer (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.
PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
SpaceX is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to help build the infrastructure behind power generation and supercompute at Starbase. You will own mechanical scope from concept through design, fabrication, construction, and commissioning. The work can span power generation, fluid and cooling systems, and the structures and equipment that production depends on. You will set the technical direction, work across engineering, construction, and operations, and see your decisions show up in hardware that has to perform in the field.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop design concepts from a clean sheet and size infrastructure systems based on operational loads, site conditions, and how the facility will actually run
- Collaborate with peers across disciplines to develop designs that balance cost, schedule, reliability, and capability
- Create detailed designs and generate CAD models for components, assemblies, and integration into the larger site
- Build analysis models to assess your designs in detail and confirm they meet the needs of the system
- Apply first-order hand calculations and empirical formulas to assess and iterate on your designs rapidly
- Validate your designs through development hardware, mockups, or first articles, and test critical joints, components, and design elements
- Support testing and commissioning of subsystems and full installations
- Partner with construction, build engineers, and technicians to improve your designs
- Support installation of your hardware in the field, witness your designs being built and brought online, and see them go into service
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 7+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience designing, analyzing, building, and testing high performance, mechanical systems
- Experience working within interdisciplinary teams to develop solutions to challenging and complex problems
- Experience with FEA or multiphysics simulation package (e.g. NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS)
- Experience designing and executing qualification testing
- Strong understanding of mechanical first principles and structural analysis methodologies
- Proficiency in selecting materials and manufacturing methods for mechanical components
- Analytical/scientific programming experience (i.e. Python, Matlab, Excel)
- Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.