Construction Project Manager, Critical Lift (Starship)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Construction Project Manager for the Starship Critical Lift program in Brownsville, TX. The role focuses on planning, design collaboration, and end-to-end project execution of safety‑critical lifting and transport infrastructure at Starbase and other sites.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contracts, control schedules and budgets, and drive on‑time, on‑budget delivery while maintaining high safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Direct the team's safety programs and maintain a strong safety culture across all projects and field operations.
• Write and manage design, engineering, and construction contracts through project completion.
• Perform project control tasks including scheduling, budgeting, quality control, logistics, and operational coordination.
• Manage cross-functional coordination with engineering, manufacturers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and remove roadblocks.
• Lead and develop a team of construction personnel responsible for critical operations and infrastructure projects across multiple SpaceX facilities.

Skills

Project management

Safety culture

Contract management

Team leadership

Field coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree (Arch/CM/ENG)

Tools

AutoCAD

Scheduling software

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER, CRITICAL LIFT (STARSHIP)

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. *1557, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. *1558, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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 Affiant Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].