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Machine Design Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be the architect of next-generation automated machinery, collaboration with a cross-functional team of engineers, machinists, assemblers, and programmers. Your ...

This position will require a combination of both strong technical skills to design the machines needed for material movement and plant layout, and a hands-on nature to ensure that the successful ...

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Machine Design information

See Texas salary details

$54K

$77.5K

$121.6K

How much do machine design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine design in Texas is $77,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $85,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is machine design?

Machine design is the process of creating new machines or improving existing ones to meet specific needs or solve particular problems. It involves applying engineering principles to select materials, determine dimensions, and specify manufacturing methods for machine components. The process includes conceptualization, detailed design, analysis, testing, and documentation. Machine designers often use CAD software and simulation tools to visualize and test their designs before production. Their work is critical in industries ranging from automotive to manufacturing and robotics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Designer, you need strong skills in mechanical engineering, 3D modeling, and design principles, generally supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and familiarity with manufacturing processes and material selection is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating concepts into practical solutions. These skills ensure that machine designs are efficient, manufacturable, and meet both technical specifications and client needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in machine design roles, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in machine design often encounter challenges such as balancing cost constraints with performance requirements, meeting tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as manufacturing, electrical, and quality assurance, is crucial to address these challenges. Staying updated with the latest CAD software, simulation tools, and engineering best practices can also help streamline the design process and improve outcomes.

What is the difference between Machine Design vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectMachine DesignMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Professional Engineer (PE) beneficialBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; PE licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, office settingsDesign, testing labs, manufacturing plants, research facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on creating and improving specific machine components and systemsBroader scope including thermodynamics, materials, and system integration

Machine Design specializes in developing specific machine components and systems, often requiring detailed design skills. Mechanical Engineering covers a wider range of engineering principles, including thermodynamics, materials, and system analysis. While both roles share similar credentials and work environments, Machine Design is more focused on the detailed creation of machines, whereas Mechanical Engineering encompasses a broader engineering scope.

How do you become a machine design engineer?

To become a machine design engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in CAD software, and obtaining professional engineering licensure can enhance career prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Design jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Machine Design jobs in Texas are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Design jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Design jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Machine Design job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,492 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

Brownsville, TX • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, build, and activate custom machinery and infrastructure to enable the production and handling of Starship launch vehicles

  • Collaborate with vehicle engineers to influence vehicle design and manufacturing processes to maximize production rate

  • Create detailed models and engineering prints in NX and perform engineering hand calculations and analysis to size structures and mechanisms


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, MACHINE DESIGN (STARSHIP)

As a member of the Starship Tooling team, you will work with a team of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate critical production assets required to build the Starship launch vehicle. This position is based at our Starship production facility in Brownsville, Texas but may involve work on designs that are implemented across all of SpaceX’s sites supporting the Starship program.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design, build, and activate custom machinery and infrastructure to enable the production and handling of Starship launch vehicles
  • Develop the Starfactory and Gigafactory of the future to enable rapid build, test, and operation of our transport architectures
  • Collaborate with vehicle engineers to influence vehicle design and manufacturing processes to maximize production rate
  • Use your technical knowledge to execute on structural sizing, mechanism design, hardware fabrication, and activation testing to deliver results on projects
  • Create detailed models and engineering prints in NX
  • Perform engineering hand calculations and analysis to size structures and mechanisms.
  • Create manufacturing planning for scope performed by internal welding and toolmaking teams.
  • Support machine activation with controls engineering team and perform development testing with production engineering team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • Experience using a CAD software design package (e.g. Solidworks, NX, CATIA, or ProE)
  • 1+ years of total experience in one or more of the following: involvement with an outside-of-the-classroom project designing and building mechanical structures; academic research on mechanical structures; professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, including daily interactions with engineers, technicians, suppliers, and leadership
  • Experience working in a production facility with equipment and machinery
  • Experience managing large CAD assembly models and drawings
  • Experience with finite element analysis
  • Experience designing and fabricating mass efficient welded structures
  • Experience designing and testing mechanisms
  • Strong understanding and application of GD&T
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
  • Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
  • Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • 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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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US