Build Engineer, Starship Stage 0

As a Build Engineer at SpaceX, you'll have a variety of responsibilities including collaborating with analysts to ensure tower designs align with manufacturing processes, developing production procedures, and overseeing the testing of critical systems and tools. Your role will also involve integrating operations, documenting processes, and acting as a resource for technicians and skilled labor partners.

To qualify for the Build Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline. Additionally, having hands-on project experience as well as professional experience in manufacturing design or aerospace engineering is highly beneficial.

Preferred skills for the Build Engineer role at SpaceX include 2+ years of experience in manufacturing design, knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), experience with fluid dynamics and structural analysis using software tools, and familiarity with large steel structures. Knowledge of CAD systems such as Unigraphics NX is also advantageous.

Build Engineers at SpaceX work in a dynamic and challenging environment, often exposed to outdoor conditions, including extreme weather. Physical dexterity is crucial as you may need to work in tight spaces or at significant heights. Flexibility in your work schedule may be required based on operational needs.

The Build Engineer position at SpaceX is subject to ITAR regulations, meaning applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, or must meet specific eligibility criteria for government export regulations.

When answering this question, highlight your relevant projects, including specifics about the structures you've worked on and your role in the construction process. Focus on techniques used and any challenges you faced, showing your problem-solving skills and ability to handle large-scale projects.

Discuss your approach to collaboration with manufacturing teams during the design phase. Mention how you consider production processes and materials from the outset and how you address potential manufacturing challenges early to avoid issues down the line.

Be specific about the CAD software you’ve used, like Unigraphics NX or other systems. Discuss a project where this tool was crucial for your design process, emphasizing how it contributed to successful outcomes or efficiency in your work.

Explain your approach to prioritization, perhaps by highlighting your use of project management techniques, tools, or methodologies. Provide an example of a time you effectively managed competing deadlines and how it led to maintaining project timelines.

Share any hands-on experience you have with welding, including types of materials you have worked with and specific welding techniques used. Emphasize any process improvements you've made to enhance efficiency or product quality within welding operations.

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by discussing your process for identifying, analyzing, and addressing discrepancies. Provide examples of how you worked with quality teams to resolve issues effectively while maintaining standards.

Focus on your commitment to documenting processes and gathering feedback. Mention specific methods you've implemented that led to improved efficiency or safety on the job site, highlighting the importance of learning from each build.

Illustrate your communication and teamwork skills. Share an example of a successful project where you collaborated with engineering, production, and quality teams, emphasizing how open communication contributed to achieving project goals.

Identify potential challenges such as tight deadlines or complex engineering requirements and discuss your proactive strategies for addressing these challenges. Focus on your adaptability and resourcefulness in high-pressure situations.

Discuss your understanding of safety regulations and protocols, as well as how you incorporate safety measures into daily operations. Provide examples of how you've promoted safety within your team and ensured compliance during complex projects.