SpaceX jobs in Bastrop TX in 2026
SpaceX's Bastrop, Texas facility is the production heart of the Starlink program. Located roughly 30 miles southeast of Austin, the sprawling manufacturing complex produces Starlink user terminals, satellite dishes, routers, and related ground equipment at a scale that rivals consumer electronics factories. In 2026, Bastrop is one of SpaceX's fastest-growing sites by headcount, with over 1,000 employees and active hiring across manufacturing, engineering, and operations roles.
This guide covers what SpaceX does in Bastrop, what jobs are available, what they pay, and what it is like to work there.
What SpaceX does in Bastrop
The Bastrop facility is dedicated almost entirely to Starlink consumer hardware production. While SpaceX's Hawthorne factory builds rockets and the Starbase facility develops Starship, Bastrop focuses on the ground segment of the Starlink constellation — the equipment that end users install to connect to SpaceX's satellite internet network.
Starlink user terminal production
The primary output is the Starlink dish (officially the "Dishy McFlatface" user terminal), now in its third-generation design. Each terminal includes a phased-array antenna, modem, Wi-Fi router, power supply, and mounting hardware. SpaceX produces over 70,000 complete kits per week at Bastrop to meet global demand from Starlink's 7.6+ million subscribers.
The manufacturing process includes:
- PCB assembly and SMT (surface-mount technology) — High-speed pick-and-place lines populate circuit boards for the antenna, modem, and router
- Phased-array antenna fabrication — The flat-panel electronically-steered antenna is the most technically complex component, requiring precision manufacturing of antenna elements
- Injection molding and plastics — Housings, mounts, and protective enclosures are molded on-site
- Final assembly and test — Complete units are assembled, firmware-loaded, functionally tested, and packaged for shipping
- Logistics and fulfillment — Finished kits are warehoused and shipped directly to customers worldwide
Starlink enterprise and aviation products
In addition to consumer terminals, Bastrop also produces Starlink hardware variants for enterprise customers, maritime vessels, and commercial aviation. These products require modified antenna designs and different form factors, adding complexity to the manufacturing operation.
SpaceX chose Bastrop for several reasons: proximity to Austin's tech talent pool, relatively low cost of living and operating costs compared to California, available industrial land for a large facility, no state income tax in Texas, and reasonable logistics connectivity via I-35 and Austin-Bergstrom airport. The location also puts Bastrop within driving distance of SpaceX's other Texas operations at Starbase (Boca Chica) and McGregor.
Available jobs in Bastrop
Bastrop positions fall into three broad categories: manufacturing and production, engineering, and operations support.
Manufacturing and production roles
These are the highest-volume positions at Bastrop, reflecting the facility's focus on high-rate manufacturing.
| Role | Salary Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Production Technician | $42,000 - $58,000 | HS diploma, manufacturing experience preferred |
| SMT Operator | $45,000 - $62,000 | SMT/pick-and-place experience |
| Assembly Technician | $44,000 - $60,000 | Electronics assembly, soldering skills |
| Test Technician | $48,000 - $68,000 | Testing/QA experience, troubleshooting ability |
| CNC Machinist | $55,000 - $78,000 | CNC programming, GD&T proficiency |
| Quality Inspector | $50,000 - $72,000 | Inspection tools, IPC standards knowledge |
| Production Supervisor | $70,000 - $95,000 | 3+ yrs manufacturing leadership |
| Manufacturing Engineer | $80,000 - $110,000 | BS in ME/EE/IE, production process experience |
Engineering roles
Engineers at Bastrop focus on manufacturing process optimization, product design for manufacturability, test development, and supply chain engineering.
| Role | Salary Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Process Engineer | $85,000 - $115,000 | BS in engineering, manufacturing process design |
| Test Engineer | $80,000 - $110,000 | BS in EE/ME, automated test development |
| RF Engineer | $95,000 - $130,000 | BS/MS in EE, antenna/RF test experience |
| Supply Chain Engineer | $75,000 - $100,000 | BS in engineering or supply chain management |
| Automation Engineer | $90,000 - $120,000 | Robotics, PLC programming, factory automation |
| NPI Engineer (New Product Introduction) | $85,000 - $115,000 | Product launch, DFM, cross-functional experience |
Operations and support roles
| Role | Salary Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Associate | $38,000 - $50,000 | Forklift certification preferred |
| Supply Chain Coordinator | $50,000 - $68,000 | Logistics/inventory management experience |
| EHS Specialist | $65,000 - $85,000 | Safety certifications, manufacturing EHS experience |
| Facilities Technician | $50,000 - $70,000 | HVAC, electrical, or plumbing experience |
Unlike SpaceX's rocket production roles that favor aerospace experience, Bastrop's Starlink manufacturing operation draws heavily from consumer electronics and high-volume manufacturing. Experience at companies like Samsung, Tesla's Gigafactory, Flex, or Jabil translates directly. If you come from automotive or electronics manufacturing, your skills are relevant here.
What it is like to work at SpaceX Bastrop
Work schedule
Bastrop runs 24/7 manufacturing operations on rotating shifts. The most common schedule is a 4-on, 3-off pattern with 10-12 hour shifts. Day shift (6 AM - 6 PM) and night shift (6 PM - 6 AM) alternate on a regular rotation.
Expect to work some overtime, especially during production ramp periods. SpaceX's culture of intensity applies at Bastrop, though the work-life balance is generally better than at launch sites or Starbase where mission-driven urgency creates surge periods.
Facility and environment
The Bastrop facility is a modern, climate-controlled manufacturing plant. Unlike Starbase's outdoor production environment, Bastrop operates more like a traditional electronics factory — cleanrooms for PCB assembly, controlled environments for antenna fabrication, and standard assembly lines for final integration.
Cost of living
Bastrop's cost of living is significantly lower than Hawthorne (Los Angeles area) or even Austin proper. The median home price in Bastrop County runs roughly $300,000-$350,000, compared to $500,000+ in Austin and $800,000+ in the LA metro area. This means SpaceX Bastrop salaries, while nominally lower than California positions, often provide more purchasing power.
Commute
Many Bastrop employees live in Austin and commute 30-45 minutes via TX-71 or US-290. Others live in Bastrop proper, Elgin, Smithville, or other smaller communities nearby. SpaceX does not currently operate shuttle buses to Bastrop as it does for some California locations.
Career progression at Bastrop
The Bastrop facility offers clear progression paths within manufacturing operations.
Technician track: Production Technician → Senior Technician → Lead Technician → Production Supervisor → Production Manager
Engineering track: Associate Engineer → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Staff Engineer → Principal Engineer or Engineering Manager
SpaceX also supports internal transfers between sites. Technicians or engineers at Bastrop can apply for positions at Hawthorne, Starbase, McGregor, or launch sites. This mobility is a significant benefit — you can start in high-volume Starlink manufacturing and later move into rocket production or launch operations if your interests shift.
Bastrop is still ramping up. As Starlink's subscriber base grows toward 10+ million users and SpaceX introduces next-generation hardware, the facility's production volume and headcount will continue to increase. Getting in now positions you for advancement as the operation scales.
How to apply for SpaceX Bastrop jobs
SpaceX posts Bastrop positions on its careers page. Look for roles with "Bastrop, TX" as the location. Manufacturing and production roles are the most frequently posted, with new openings appearing every few weeks as the facility expands.
Browse current SpaceX openings at SpaceX job listings. For a broader overview of SpaceX compensation and benefits, see the SpaceX careers guide and the SpaceX benefits breakdown. For interview preparation, check the SpaceX interview process guide.
If you are exploring other space industry manufacturing jobs in Texas, SpaceX also hires extensively at McGregor for engine testing and at Starbase for Starship production. Browse all Texas-based space jobs on Zero G Talent.
