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Starbase Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Must be able to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX in support of test and flight operations and hardware development - up to 10% * Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as ...

Must be able to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX in support of test and flight operations and hardware development - up to 10% * Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as ...

We support both the orbital starship vehicle (current development that can be observed in Starbase) as well as the HLS lunar missions for NASA Artemis. We own communications from the baseband (FPGA ...

Antenna Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

We support both the orbital starship vehicle (current development that can be observed in Starbase) as well as the HLS lunar missions for NASA Artemis. We own communications from the baseband (FPGA ...

We support both the orbital starship vehicle (current development that can be observed in Starbase) as well as the HLS lunar missions for NASA Artemis. We own communications from the baseband (FPGA ...

Antenna Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

We support both the orbital starship vehicle (current development that can be observed in Starbase) as well as the HLS lunar missions for NASA Artemis. We own communications from the baseband (FPGA ...

Mechanical Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Ability to travel to Starbase, TX (up to 25% travel may be required) COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year ...

Mechanical Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Ability to travel to Starbase, TX (up to 25% travel may be required) COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year ...

Showing results 21-40

Starbase information

See California salary details

$10.8K

$48K

$59.2K

How much do starbase jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for starbase in California is $48,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,106.00 and $53,367.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a starbase?

A Starbase is a large, strategically important structure used in science fiction and space exploration contexts, most notably in franchises like Star Trek and in real-world applications such as SpaceX's launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas, also called Starbase. In fictional settings, Starbases serve as hubs for spacecraft repair, resupply, research, and administration. In the real world, SpaceX's Starbase is a private spaceport and production site dedicated to building and launching Starship rockets. These facilities are crucial for supporting deep space missions and advancing space technology.

What is a starbase engineer?

A Starbase job typically refers to a position at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, where the company develops and tests next-generation spacecraft and rockets. Jobs at Starbase range from engineering and manufacturing to construction and operations, supporting SpaceX's mission to build a sustainable presence in space. Employees at Starbase work on cutting-edge aerospace technologies, contributing to projects like Starship, which aims to enable interplanetary travel.

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

To excel as a Starbase Engineer, you typically need a strong background in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering, along with relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with CAD software, industrial control systems, and safety protocols is crucial for daily operations and problem-solving. Exceptional teamwork, attention to detail, and adaptability help you navigate complex projects and dynamic environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and successful operations in the demanding context of space launch facility management.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working at a spaceport or starbase facility?

Engineers at spaceport or starbase facilities often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols, coordinating among multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that ground support systems are ready for tight launch schedules. The work environment is dynamic and high-stakes, requiring quick problem-solving and adaptability. Collaboration with operations, mission control, and external partners is routine, and engineers must stay updated on the latest aerospace technologies and compliance standards.

What is the difference between Starbase vs Game Developer?

AspectStarbaseGame Developer
Required CredentialsTechnical skills, engineering background, certifications in software or hardwareProgramming skills, computer science degree, portfolio of games
Work EnvironmentGame studios, tech companies, collaborative teamsGame studios, independent or corporate environments
Industry UsageUsed in gaming, entertainment, and tech sectorsPrimarily in gaming, entertainment, and software development

Starbase and Game Developer roles share technical skills and industry overlap, but Starbase focuses on space simulation and engineering, while Game Developers concentrate on creating interactive entertainment. Both require programming and creative problem-solving, but their specific work environments and project types differ.

Is Starbase a good place to work?

Starbase is a manufacturing and engineering facility focused on space technology, offering roles that often require technical skills and safety training. The work environment can be demanding with a focus on innovation and precision, and employees typically work in teams with specialized equipment. Overall, it provides opportunities for those interested in aerospace and manufacturing careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Starbase jobs in California?

The most popular types of Starbase jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Starbase jobs in California?

For Starbase jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Starbase job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,039 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Antenna Engineer (Starship) - Hawthorne CA

MSCCN

Hawthorne, CA โ€ข On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description


ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps.
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.
ANTENNA ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
This team is responsible for RF engineering for the Starship vehicles. This includes both hardware product development (of radios/antennas), as well as ownership of the comm system architecture, analysis, and verification. Hardware development involves managing the development of your product, from design concept through prototyping, qualification testing, and moving into stable production. Systems roles involve extreme ownership of a system from design concept, through integration and test, and even support analysis or on-console for flight. Work may vary in frequency band from UHF (400 MHz) through Ka-band (40 GHz). We also do work outside of communications, including GPS and radar for sensing. We support both the orbital starship vehicle (current development that can be observed in Starbase) as well as the HLS lunar missions for NASA Artemis. We own communications from the baseband (FPGA + modem) through the passband (RF + antenna), and we work closely with mechanical, production, and integration teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design of antennas for communications and sensors, in VHF through Ka-band
Build and characterization of antenna, feed, and front-end prototypes
Development of measurement systems to support design
Analysis of wireless systems (antenna isolation, patterns with large structures, propagation effects, etc.)
Multidisciplinary collaboration to improve RF manufacturing, mechanical integration, and testability
Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of relevant professional or project experience with antennas or RF systems
1+ years of experience with 3D electromagnetic simulation tools
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering discipline with emphasis in electromagnetic theory and/or microwave circuits
Master's degree in electrical engineering (electromagnetic or circuits)
Experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzer, signal generator, network analyzer, power meters, and RF passive components
Proficiency with basic RF concepts such as impedance matching, linear and aperture antennas, smith chart, power handling metrics (IIP2, IMD), microwave network analysis, RF filter design
Experience with near-field or far-field chamber design and operation
Experience with electrical schematic capture software (Altium, Orcad or similar)
Experience with electromagnetics simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, Savant, or similar - including tradeoffs of FEM, MoM, FDTD, and PO methods
Familiar with one of the mainstream RF circuit simulation tools: AWR, ADS, Genesys
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ programming for data analysis or test equipment interfacing
Basic CAD skills for prototype designs and working directly with mechanical engineers
Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate with other engineering disciplines
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Antenna Engineer/Level I: $ 125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Antenna Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.