Spring 2027 Civil Engineering Internship

About the role

This internship places you at the heart of SpaceX's mission to enable human life on Mars by supporting the design, build, activation, and maintenance of critical facilities and infrastructure. You will partner with a world-class, multi-disciplinary engineering team to solve complex civil and structural challenges in demanding environments. The role emphasizes hands-on ownership of projects from conception through completion, ensuring your contributions have a direct impact on operational readiness. You will apply established engineering codes and software to develop safe, efficient, and practical solutions while collaborating closely with peers. This opportunity is tailored for students who are motivated to translate academic knowledge into real-world applications on a super inspiring mission. Participation includes access to exclusive learning and networking experiences with SpaceX leadership.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Analyze site conditions and interpret survey data to inform foundational and structural design decisions for aerospace facilities.
• Perform structural calculations and simulations to verify load paths, stability, and compliance with project specifications.
• Develop and revise detailed construction documents using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, SAP2000, Revit, or similar engineering software.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to align civil infrastructure requirements with vehicle processing, launch, and operational needs.
• Evaluate existing facilities and infrastructure to identify deficiencies and recommend rehabilitation or expansion strategies.
• Apply knowledge of AISC, ACI 318, ASCE 7, and IBC to ensure designs meet code requirements and industry best practices.
• Support field reviews and inspections to verify that construction activities adhere to design intent and regulatory standards.
• Assess project schedules and resources to optimize workflow and manage deliverables within defined timelines.
• Document design decisions, calculations, and recommendations in clear, professional reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of long-term facility plans to support scalability and resilience.
• Collaborate with logistics and operations teams to plan site access, utilities, and site safety protocols.
• Contribute to problem-solving sessions to resolve unforeseen technical constraints during project execution.
• Participate in the preparation of permit applications and regulatory submissions as required by local authorities.
• Engage in continuous learning by attending technical presentations and design reviews led by SpaceX engineering leaders.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree or graduate program.
• Must have 3+ months of civil or structural engineering-related experience.
• Applicant for this intern position must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (e.g., green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.
• Must be able to work full time, onsite for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in January or March 2027.
• Must provide own transportation for positions at Cape Canaveral.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic success and motivation to apply classroom knowledge to practical engineering problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse team members.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Aptitude for learning and applying engineering codes, standards, and design software relevant to civil infrastructure.
• Eligibility to obtain any required security clearances as determined by SpaceX facility and role requirements.

Nice to have

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months demonstrated internship or project work in civil/structural/construction engineering, owning a project from conception to completion.
• 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 Code (IBC).
• Experience using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, SAP2000, Revit, or similar software.
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated through leadership in student organizations or successful teamwork experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements and technical challenges.

Practical notes

• Internship duration requires full-time onsite engagement for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks, with start dates in January or March 2027.
• Certain positions, particularly those at Cape Canaveral, require employees to provide their own transportation.
• This role is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees in compliance with authorization requirements.
• Compensation details are provided as an hourly rate based on academic level, with additional potential for relocation stipends and benefits eligibility.
• Specific work locations may include Hawthorne, CA; Cape Canaveral, FL; and Starbase, TX, with site-specific requirements as assigned.
• Interested candidates should apply promptly to secure consideration for the Spring 2027 internship cycle.