Structural Engineer, Launch Pad

About the role

Become a vital member of the launch pad development team, focusing on the design, construction, and activation of a second orbital launch facility for the Starship program, recognized as the most powerful rocket ever created. In this role, you will work alongside a diverse group of engineers to provide civil and structural engineering solutions for aerospace-grade infrastructure at our Starbase location.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead project teams, external consultants, and contractors through all stages of civil and structural engineering, including procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Create detailed drawings, design documentation, and technical reports for structures related to aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications.
• Perform civil and structural design calculations and analyses for both steel and concrete systems.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage construction contracts with subcontractors across various disciplines until project completion.
• Supervise civil and structural components of ongoing construction projects to ensure adherence to design specifications.
• Conduct engineering inspections and field observations on-site to monitor progress and compliance.
• Resolve design and construction conflicts immediately during field operations to maintain project timelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate various engineering aspects into the launch pad design.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards throughout the construction process.
• Participate in project planning and scheduling to optimize resource allocation and workflow.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and interns involved in the project.
• Document project progress and prepare reports for stakeholders to keep them informed of developments.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in civil or structural design, analysis, construction, or drafting; relevant internship or competition team experience is acceptable.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to perform physical tasks in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain, as well as in confined spaces and at heights of up to 500 feet.
• Capable of standing for up to 6 hours, walking for up to 10 hours, and climbing ladders or stairs for up to 10 hours each day.
• Must be able to lift or carry up to 25 pounds and push or pull up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Comfort with working in high temperatures exceeding 80 degrees for extended periods.
• Must be able to use an air-purifying respirator, operate heavy machinery, and wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nice to have

• Proven ability to think quickly and solve problems effectively under pressure.
• A strong history of personal accountability in fast-paced environments.
• Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, or surveying engineering disciplines.
• Experience in creating structural detail drawings using AutoCAD, Revit, NX, SolidWorks, or similar design software.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software such as SAP 2000, STAAD Pro, RISA-3D, ETABS, or equivalent tools.
• Knowledge of relevant codes and standards, including AISC steel manual, ACI 318, ASCE 7, and IBC codes.
• Ability to make quick, data-driven decisions in a dynamic work environment.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering (PE) or Structural Engineering (SE) license is a plus.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in structural steel and concrete design and analysis.
• Proficient in drafting software such as AutoCAD, Revit, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with structural analysis platforms like SAP 2000, STAAD Pro, RISA-3D, ETABS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of AISC, ACI 318, ASCE 7, and IBC code applications.
• Experience in managing construction contracts effectively.

Practical notes

• ITAR compliance: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or otherwise eligible for the necessary U.S. Department of State authorization.
• A pre-employment questionnaire or physical examination may be required to verify the ability to meet the physical demands of the role.
• Applicants who require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process can reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com for assistance.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.