Civil Engineer, Starbase Infrastructure

About the role

Join the Starship Infrastructure and Construction team to design and build essential facilities at Starbase and other SpaceX locations. You will manage projects from initial concept through final activation to support the goal of human life on Mars. In this capacity, you will act as the primary technical authority for infrastructure initiatives, translating high-level mission objectives into actionable engineering plans. You will own the full lifecycle of assigned projects, ensuring that design integrity is maintained from initial sketches through to in-service conditions. The role requires proactive problem solving to navigate the constraints of an active development site and aggressive timelines. You will interface directly with operational stakeholders to align engineering solutions with evolving program needs. Success in this position means delivering resilient, code-compliant infrastructure that enables the next generation of aerospace operations. Your work will directly influence the capability and reliability of facilities critical to current and future missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Generate detailed drawings, design documentation, and analytical reports for industrial, aerospace, and commercial land development.
• Perform complex calculations for grading, drainage, stormwater systems, water distribution, and underground utilities to meet regulatory and operational standards.
• Coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external contractors to synchronize civil engineering, procurement, and construction activities.
• Acquire and manage all necessary local, state, and federal permits for utility and land development work.
• Supervise construction activities in the field, enforcing quality control protocols and resolving conflicts in real time.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates, detailed project schedules, and comprehensive financial reports for review and decision-making.
• Interface with fabricators, owners, and clients to refine project scope, clarify requirements, and validate implementation plans.
• Evaluate site conditions and constraints to develop practical engineering solutions that balance safety, cost, and schedule.
• Maintain project documentation in a structured format to ensure traceability and support future modifications or audits.
• Apply engineering judgment to optimize designs while adhering to budget limitations and regulatory frameworks.
• Monitor construction progress to ensure adherence to plans, specifications, and established quality benchmarks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing project outcomes and incorporating lessons learned into future designs.
• Ensure all deliverables are produced on schedule to maintain momentum for critical path project milestones.
• Collaborate with safety and quality personnel to uphold the highest standards of operational excellence and workplace safety.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in civil engineering or a related engineering field.
• Demonstrate the ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs as required by job duties.
• Exhibit capacity to work reliably in extreme outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, and rain.
• Maintain availability to work extended hours and weekends as dictated by the operational needs of site activities.
• Preserve focus and situational awareness in hazardous environments while correctly using required personal protective equipment.
• Possess a valid driver license in good standing to perform job-essential travel and equipment operation.
• Comply with all site safety rules and procedures without exception.
• Meet all pre-employment screening requirements as mandated by SpaceX human resources and security protocols.
• Be capable of passing a background check consistent with the responsibilities of the role.
• Demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the engagement.
• Adhere to all contractual and compliance obligations associated with employment at a regulated aerospace contractor.
• Show professionalism in communication and conduct when interacting with team members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Commit to continuous learning and adaptation to new tools, processes, and technical standards as introduced by the organization.
• Uphold the integrity of project data, records, and reporting under all circumstances.
• Align personal performance goals with the broader objectives of the Starship Infrastructure and Construction team.

Nice to have

• Possess at least 2 years of technical civil experience with demonstrated construction knowledge.
• Show proficiency in pump design, hydraulics, hydrological analysis, stormwater management, and site grading.
• Have familiarity with electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying disciplines to facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
• Hold a Professional Engineering (PE) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) license relevant to the jurisdiction of practice.
• Bring experience managing major construction projects, including scheduling, cost control, and contractor oversight.
• Exhibit the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate familiarity with industry standards and best practices applicable to large-scale infrastructure development.
• Have a track record of successful delivery in challenging technical or logistical conditions.

Skills & tools

• Apply civil engineering design software to develop and analyze project deliverables.
• Utilize project management and cost estimation tools to maintain schedule integrity and financial control.
• Leverage modeling and analysis techniques to evaluate design alternatives and performance outcomes.
• Employ documentation platforms to organize technical data and support stakeholder communication.
• Use drafting standards and conventions to produce clear, accurate, and professional engineering drawings.

Practical notes

• This role requires compliance with ITAR regulations; applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to satisfy U.S. export control requirements.
• SpaceX maintains an Equal Opportunity employment stance and provides avenues for reasonable accommodation requests.
• All hires are subject to standard employment terms and conditions as defined by company policy and local regulations.
• Positions are contingent upon business needs and may evolve based on project demands and operational changes.
• Work location is primarily based at the Starbase facility with potential for site travel as required.
• Candidates should be prepared for dynamic work environments that may involve variable schedules to meet project demands.
• Employment terms are defined by applicable agreements and may vary based on role classification and operational requirements.
• Prospective team members are encouraged to review internal policies regarding safety, security, and professional conduct.