SpaceX Brownsville TX jobs in 2026: current openings at Starbase
SpaceX is aggressively hiring at its Starbase facility near Brownsville, TX in 2026. The company plans to add 4,000 workers this year to support the ramp-up of Block 3 Starship production and an accelerating launch cadence. If you are searching for SpaceX Brownsville TX jobs, this guide breaks down the current openings by department, explains how each role fits into Starship operations, and walks you through the application process.
Starbase is not just a launch pad. It is a complete rocket factory and spaceport where stainless-steel sheets enter one end and fully assembled Starship vehicles roll out the other. Manufacturing, avionics integration, propulsion testing, and launch operations all happen within a few miles of each other along Boca Chica Beach.
Current openings by department
As of February 2026, SpaceX lists dozens of positions at Starbase across multiple departments. Here is a breakdown of the major hiring areas.
Manufacturing and production
Manufacturing is the largest hiring category at Starbase. SpaceX builds Starship vehicles on-site using a combination of automated welding, manual fabrication, and rapid iteration.
| Role | Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Production Technician (Starship) | $22–$31/hr | HS diploma + 1 yr manufacturing exp |
| Welder (Starship) | $28–$45/hr | TIG/MIG certification, stainless steel exp |
| Composite Technician | $24–$34/hr | Experience with layup and autoclave |
| Material Transfer Driver | $20–$28/hr | CDL preferred, forklift cert |
| Spacecraft Cleanliness Technician | $22–$30/hr | Cleanroom experience preferred |
| Production Supervisor | $75K–$110K | 3+ yr manufacturing leadership |
Welders at Starbase work on 304L stainless-steel barrel sections, dome caps, and structural elements. SpaceX uses both manual TIG welding and automated submerged-arc welding, but hand welding remains critical for complex joints and repair work. Experienced welders with aerospace or pressure-vessel backgrounds are in high demand.
Avionics and electrical
Avionics roles at Starbase involve the flight electronics that guide Starship during ascent, stage separation, re-entry, and landing.
| Role | Salary Range | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Avionics Technician | $26–$38/hr | Harness fabrication, connector assembly |
| Avionics Engineer | $100K–$155K | Flight computer design, sensor integration |
| Electrical Engineer | $95K–$150K | Power distribution, actuator control |
| RF Engineer | $105K–$160K | Telemetry, communications, tracking |
| Avionics Test Engineer | $100K–$150K | Vehicle-level electrical testing |
Hawthorne handles most avionics design and development for Falcon and Dragon. Starbase avionics engineers focus specifically on Starship flight electronics — a system that is still being actively developed and iterated between flights. This means avionics engineers at Starbase see their designs fly (or fail) within months of implementation, rather than working on a mature production system.
Propulsion
Starbase is home to Raptor engine integration and vehicle-level propulsion testing. While Raptor engines are manufactured primarily at the Hawthorne facility, integration with the vehicle, acceptance testing, and static fire campaigns happen at Starbase.
| Role | Salary Range | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion Engineer | $100K–$155K | Engine integration, plumbing, test |
| New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion | $60K–$89K | Entry-level, Starship propulsion team |
| Propellant Systems Engineer | $95K–$145K | Cryogenic systems, ground support |
| Test Conductor | $90K–$135K | Static fire and flight test operations |
Launch operations
Launch operations roles support the preparation and execution of Starship flight tests and, increasingly, operational missions.
| Role | Salary Range | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Engineer | $95K–$130K | Pad systems, countdown procedures |
| Launch Operations Specialist | $75K–$110K | Ground support equipment |
| Pad Technician | $24–$36/hr | Hardware maintenance, pad turnaround |
| Operations Analyst | $70K–$100K | Data analysis, mission planning |
Construction and facilities
Starbase is still expanding. A second orbital launch mount is under construction, and SpaceX continually builds new production buildings, test stands, and infrastructure.
| Role | Salary Range | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Project Manager | $54K–$94K | Starbase Development |
| Electrician (Starship) | $38K–$62K | Facility and vehicle electrical |
| Telecommunications Engineer | $55K–$99K | Site communications infrastructure |
| HVAC Technician | $25–$38/hr | Climate control for production areas |
| Interior Designer | $47K–$79K | Facility and workspace design |
IT and software
Even at a rocket factory, software keeps operations running. Starbase IT and software roles support production tracking, network infrastructure, and launch control systems.
| Role | Salary Range | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| IT Systems Engineer | $47K–$79K | Site infrastructure, endpoint management |
| Software Engineer, Ground Systems | $110K–$170K | Launch control software |
| Manufacturing Software Engineer | $100K–$160K | Production tracking, automation |
| Network Engineer | $90K–$140K | Site connectivity, cybersecurity |
How to apply for SpaceX Starbase positions
SpaceX uses Greenhouse as its applicant tracking system. All legitimate openings are posted on the SpaceX careers page and aggregated on job boards like Zero G Talent.
Step 1: Find the right role. Search for positions filtered to "Starbase, TX" on the SpaceX careers site or browse SpaceX jobs on Zero G Talent. Roles are listed under Starbase, not Brownsville.
Step 2: Tailor your resume. SpaceX receives thousands of applications per role. Your resume should lead with quantifiable accomplishments — production rates improved, systems designed and tested, problems solved under deadline pressure. Generic descriptions of job duties will not stand out.
Step 3: Apply through the official channel. Submit via Greenhouse. Include a brief note about why you want to work on Starship specifically — SpaceX values mission-driven candidates.
Step 4: Seek a referral. An employee referral is the single most effective way to get your application reviewed. Reach out to SpaceX employees through LinkedIn or professional networks.
Step 5: Prepare for interviews. The process typically involves a phone screen (30-60 minutes, technical) followed by a full-day onsite at Starbase with 4-6 interview sessions. For engineering roles, expect deep technical questions in your domain. For technician roles, expect practical assessments of your skills.
SpaceX recruiters review applications by role, not by candidate. If you are qualified for both a propulsion engineer and a test engineer position, submit separate applications for each. Your chances increase with each relevant application.
What makes Starbase hiring different
Starbase hiring differs from other SpaceX locations in several ways.
Pace of iteration. Starship is still in active development. Designs change between flights. Employees at Starbase work on hardware that will fly within weeks or months, not years. This attracts people who want fast feedback loops.
Breadth of roles. Because Starbase is a complete production-to-launch site, the range of open positions is unusually broad. You can find roles from food services to flight dynamics engineering at the same facility.
Growth trajectory. With 4,000 new hires planned for 2026, Starbase is one of the fastest-growing aerospace employment sites in the United States. Early employees have opportunities for rapid career advancement as teams scale up.
Remote location. Starbase is located at the southern tip of Texas, 25 miles from Brownsville and far from any major metro. This filters for candidates who are genuinely motivated by the mission and willing to trade urban convenience for direct involvement in building the largest rocket ever flown.
Compensation overview
| Level | Base Salary | Equity (Est. Annual) | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry technician | $22–$28/hr | Limited | $46K–$58K |
| Experienced technician | $30–$42/hr | $5K–$15K | $68K–$105K |
| Entry engineer | $60K–$95K | $10K–$25K | $70K–$120K |
| Mid-level engineer | $100K–$145K | $25K–$55K | $125K–$200K |
| Senior engineer | $140K–$175K | $50K–$100K | $190K–$275K |
| Supervisor/manager | $85K–$130K | $20K–$50K | $105K–$180K |
All compensation data reflects 2026 estimates based on reported figures and public salary data. Equity values depend on SpaceX's private market valuation and individual grant sizes.
FAQ
How many SpaceX jobs are open in Brownsville right now?
As of February 2026, SpaceX lists approximately 75 or more open positions at Starbase across engineering, manufacturing, launch operations, construction, and support functions. The number changes weekly as roles are filled and new ones are posted.
Does SpaceX hire entry-level workers at Starbase?
Yes. SpaceX hires new graduate engineers with starting salaries around $60K–$89K and entry-level production technicians starting at $22/hr. Specific new-grad positions like "New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion (Starship)" are posted regularly.
What is the SpaceX hiring process timeline?
The full process from application to offer typically takes 5-8 weeks. This includes resume screening (1-2 weeks), phone screen (1 week), onsite interview scheduling (1-2 weeks), the onsite day itself, and post-interview decision-making (1-2 weeks).
Can I work at SpaceX Starbase without a degree?
Yes, for manufacturing, technician, construction, and operations roles. Welders need certifications and stainless-steel experience. Production technicians need relevant manufacturing experience. Many successful Starbase employees came from automotive, oil and gas, or military backgrounds without four-year degrees.
What shifts does SpaceX Starbase run?
Starbase operates multiple shifts to maintain continuous production. Most manufacturing positions offer first shift (day), second shift (swing), and sometimes third shift (night). Engineers typically work standard hours but regularly exceed 50 hours per week during build campaigns and launch preparations.
Browse current SpaceX positions on Zero G Talent, or explore all space jobs in Texas across the industry.
