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Construction Project Manager, Critical Lift (Starship)

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

As a member of the Starship Critical Lift and Transport Operations (CLT) team, you will collaborate with engineers and managers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and commission infrastructure that minimizes risk for safety-critical lifting and transport operations at Starbase and other SpaceX facilities. You will influence design and own end-to-end project execution, with primary emphasis on planning and performing complex lifting activities essential to developing SpaceX infrastructure. This position is based in South Texas (Brownsville/Starbase) and requires frequent travel >50%.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Direct the team's compliance with safety programs and maintain a strong safety culture across all active projects and field operations
  • Write and manage design, engineering, and construction contracts across multiple disciplines through project completion
  • Perform project control tasks including scheduling, budgeting, quality control, logistics, and operational coordination
  • Manage high-level coordination with engineering, manufacturers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to resolve cross-functional issues and remove roadblocks
  • Interact with contractors, designers, fabricators, and internal customers
  • Resolve design and construction conflicts in real-time in the field
  • Lead and develop a team of construction personnel responsible for critical operations and infrastructure projects across multiple SpaceX facilities and locations
  • Oversee and own the full lifecycle of projects to achieve on-time and under-budget delivery with customer satisfaction. The following project management responsibilities apply:
    • Mentor team members on field execution, contractor management, and problem-solving in a fast-paced construction environment
    • Drive accountability for on-time and on-budget delivery from factory to foundation, while supporting rapid iteration typical of SpaceX programs
    • Manage tools and organization systems relating to the construction and lifting projects
    • Provide budgetary estimates based upon the preliminary scope of the project
    • Gather proposals from vendors, engineers and contractors; award contracts upon receipt of all proposals
    • Develop the final cost and schedule for the lift and transport portions of project, and implement controls as needed to manage cost, schedule, and scope
    • Review technical submittals
    • Facilitate FAA/governmental approvals where required
    • Coordinate project implementation and track project status
    • Coordinate with end user and facilities team for building operations and maintenance
    • Communicate with internal legal team

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction management, or an engineering related discipline OR 4+ years of professional experience in construction, engineering, or facilities management in lieu of a degree
  • 3+ years of professional experience in construction management or engineering
  • 1+ years of professional experience managing heavy lift/heavy haul projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with project management and scheduling software
  • Design and build experience in a technical field
  • Basic proficiency with AutoCAD
  • Knowledge of processes of jurisdictional permitting and/or environmental agencies
  • Understanding of multiple disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, and surveying
  • Experience with project management of major construction projects including estimating, cost control, schedule, and contractor management
  • Experience reading, reviewing, and approving shop and fabrication drawings, blueprints, and technical manuals
  • Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid driver's license
  • Frequent travel may be required to support operations at production and launch sites, requires frequent travel >50%
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • Ability to work in outdoor environments
  • Candidate must be capable of safely 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
  • Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed
  • Ability to pass background/clearance checks

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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