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Starship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Starship will usher in the next era of crewed spaceflight and exploration, ultimately allowing us to establish permanent communities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As a Mechanical Engineer on the ...

Sr. Scheduler (Starship) Starbase, TX 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 ...

NY · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Starship program requires a robust Thermal Protection System (TPS) to withstand the extreme heat generated during atmospheric reentry at hypersonic speeds. The thermal hardware team is ...

WI · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

AVIONICS SYSTEMS ENGINEER (STARSHIP) As a Starship Avionics Systems & Operations Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a cross-functional team that bridges the gap between ...

WI · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP) SpaceX's Starship represents a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We are ...

WI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER, CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION (STARSHIP) As a Principal Software Engineer on the Starship Continuous Integration team, you will own the tools that power Starship software ...

WI · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

STARSHIP ENGINEER, FOD CONTROL As a Starship Engineer specializing in FOD Control, you will own Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention and elimination across Starship Production while developing ...

$90 - $130/hr

Automation & Controls Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship) 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Starship information

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$11

$26

$53

How much do starship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for starship in the United States is $26.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a starship?

A Starship job typically refers to a position related to SpaceX’s Starship program, which is focused on developing a fully reusable spacecraft for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Jobs in this field span various disciplines, including engineering, manufacturing, software development, and operations. Employees work on cutting-edge aerospace technology, contributing to spacecraft design, testing, and launch operations. If you're interested in working on next-generation space exploration, a Starship job may be a great fit.

What is a starship engineer?

Starship engineers are professionals who design, build, and maintain spacecraft, particularly those involved with SpaceX's Starship program. They work on creating advanced rockets and spacecraft systems capable of carrying humans and cargo to destinations like the Moon and Mars. Their responsibilities include structural analysis, propulsion development, avionics, and integration of new technologies to ensure the spaceship is safe, efficient, and reusable. These engineers often collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to solve complex aerospace challenges. A background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields is typically required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a starship engineer?

To thrive as a Starship Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and systems integration, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, propulsion systems, avionics, and industry-standard safety certifications is essential. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and adapt to complex challenges. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of advanced spacecraft in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working on the starship program, and how are they addressed within the team?

Engineers working on the Starship program often encounter challenges related to rapid prototyping, strict deadlines, and the integration of novel technologies. The fast-paced environment requires strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, with frequent design iterations and testing. To address these challenges, teams hold daily stand-ups, utilize agile methodologies, and foster a culture of open communication, ensuring that problems are identified and resolved quickly. This collaborative approach helps maintain project momentum and supports continuous learning and innovation.

What is the difference between Starship vs Flight Controller?

AspectStarshipFlight Controller
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized aerospace certificationsEngineering or technical degree, aerospace certifications
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft development, launch sites, mission controlMission control centers, ground stations, aerospace facilities
Industry UsageSpace exploration, commercial spaceflightMission operations, spacecraft monitoring

Starship and Flight Controller roles are both integral to space missions. Starship involves designing and building spacecraft, while Flight Controllers manage and monitor missions from ground control. The two roles often collaborate but differ in focus: one on development, the other on operational oversight.

More about Starship jobs

What cities are hiring for Starship jobs?

Cities with the most Starship job openings:

What states have the most Starship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Starship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Starship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,588 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer, Cabin Structures (Crew Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

NY • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own the design and development of structures, mechanisms, or interior systems for Crew Starship vehicles.

  • Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs.

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure hardware integrates with Starship systems and supports mission operations.


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Cabin Structures (Crew Starship)

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.

After 50 years, humankind will once again return to the surface of the moon using SpaceX's new vehicle, Crew Starship (also known as HLS or the Human Landing System) - this time for good. Starship will usher in the next era of crewed spaceflight and exploration, ultimately allowing us to establish permanent communities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As a Mechanical Engineer on the Crew Starship team, you will design and build spacecraft systems that are critical to the success and safety of future astronauts. Disciplines within this team include primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and crew-interfacing hardware. Your design solutions will be driven by all future Crew Starship missions (Lunar, Mars, etc.). This role requires full hardware ownership, from initial design requirements and concepts all the way through design, analysis, prototype, qualification, and integration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own the design and development of next generation structures, mechanisms, or interior systems for Crew Starship vehicles
  • Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs
  • Rapidly iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast-paced environment
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure hardware integrates with Starship systems and supports necessary mission operations
  • Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers (e.g., NASA)
  • Negotiate complex trade studies to optimize for cost, schedule, safety, and performance, among other considerations
  • Be responsible for project delivery timeline from early design through production, launch, and recovery
  • Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with mechanical design and analysis (internship experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
  • Leadership experience on an engineering or project team
  • Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions
  • Experience with structures, mechanisms, or interior design in aerospace or aviation industries
  • Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
  • Experienced in NX
  • Solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
  • Technical knowledge of human spacecraft systems and operations
  • Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to other engineers, stakeholders, management, and executive staff
  • Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
  • Ability to travel to remote sites in Texas and Florida
  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • 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 Affimative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out toEEOCompliance@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