
Sr. Equipment Reliability Engineer (Starship)
SpaceX · Starbase, TX
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Reliability
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior reliability role at SpaceX (aerospace & defense) in Starbase, TX. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation, EHS / safety
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Reliability Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $124k–$135k.
Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 55 reliability engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 54 other live reliability postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 4+)
Typical $124k–$135k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Root cause 47%
- SAP 25%
- ✓ Automation 25%
- Team leadership 24%
- FMEA 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at SpaceX
We found 4 people at this company and state: 4 in this kind of role, plus 2 likely hiring managers. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Marcus → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: SpaceX in Starbase
48 other open roles at this site · 4 people we found in reliability roles at SpaceX.
- Controls Technician - 2nd Shift · Controls · Technician
- Automation & Controls Specialist · Controls · Specialist
- Launch Operations Engineer (Starship) · Production
- Corrosion Control Technician · Controls · Technician
- Maintenance Technician - Level 4/5 · Reliability · Technician
- Supplier Quality Specialist (Starship) · Quality · Specialist
Full description from SpaceXAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Troubleshooting and maintenance: Investigate and resolve technical issues related to crane operation and maintenance, and provide recommendations for improvements.
- ◆Continuous improvement: Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in crane design, operation, and maintenance processes.
- ◆Product testing: Plan and conduct testing and validation of new crane designs and modifications to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
- ◆Technical support: Provide technical expertise and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on crane design, operation, and maintenance.
- ◆Project management: Lead or contribute to crane engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to budget and schedule.
- ◆Compliance and standards: Stay informed about industry standards, codes, and regulations related to cranes and ensure that designs and operations comply with relevant requirements.
- ◆Documentation: Prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation related to crane design, testing, and maintenance activities.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field.
- ✓5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, or other engineering discipline.
Preferred skills and experience
- ✓3+ years of experience with bridge cranes.
- ✓Proven experience in the design and analysis of bridge cranes.
- ✓Proven Experience with automation and controls.
- ✓Strong knowledge of structural analysis, material properties, and mechanical principles related to crane design and operation.
- ✓Familiarity with relevant industry standards such as ASME B30.2, OSHA regulations, and other applicable codes and standards.
- ✓Proficiency in engineering software for structural analysis, such as CAD, FEA, and other relevant tools.
- ✓Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- ✓Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
- ✓Prior experience in project management and leading engineering teams is desirable.
- ✓Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in crane engineering practices.
Requirements
- ✓Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required.
- ✓Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
- ✓Stand: Up to 6 hours per day.
- ✓Sit: Up to 3 hours per day.
- ✓Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 1 to 2 hours per day.
- ✓Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day.
- ✓Walk: Up to 3 hours per day.
- ✓Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) 1 to 2 hours per day.
- ✓Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 3 hours per day.
- ✓Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day.
- ✓Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day.
- ✓Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day.
- ✓Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical
requirements
of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.
ITAR
Requirements
- ✓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 .
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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Sr. equipment reliability engineer (starship)
The Starship team is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Equipment Reliability Engineer to join our team. You will be responsible for the operations and maintenance of various types of cranes used in industrial, construction, and manufacturing settings. You should possess strong technical expertise in structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and crane operations. The role requires the ability to work on complex engineering projects, provide technical guidance, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
