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Structural Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

As a member of the launch pad development team, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and activate a second orbital launch pad and ancillary infrastructure that will further enable orbital launch capability for the most powerful rocket in the world, Starship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the project team, consulting engineers and contractors throughout the entirety of the civil and structural engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning process
  • Develop and issue drawings, design documentation, and reports for aerospace, industrial, and commercial type projects
  • Perform both civil and structural design and analysis calculations for structural steel and concrete
  • Write, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
  • Manage the civil and structural aspects of construction projects
  • Provide direct onsite engineering inspections and field observations
  • Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real-time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, or another engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in civil or structural design, analysis, construction, and drafting (competition team or intern experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Demonstrated experience where quick thinking and tangible problem-solving skills play a critical role
  • Demonstrated experience fostering an environment of extremely high personal accountability and responsibility
  • Understanding of other disciplines such as: mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying
  • Experience creating structural detail drawings in AutoCAD, Revit, NX, Solidworks or similar drafting programs
  • Experience with SAP 2000, STAAD Pro, RISA-3D, ETABS, or similar analysis software
  • Knowledge of American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) steel manual, American Concrete Institute (ACI) code 318, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, and International Building Codes (IBC)
  • Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions
  • Professional Engineering (PE) or Structural Engineering (SE) license

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • This position is based in Starbase, Texas and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
  • Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
  • Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Stand: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
  • Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 10 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 6 hours or greater per day
  • Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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. 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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