Sr. Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad )

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is looking for a Sr. Structural Engineer to join their team in Brownsville, Texas. The role involves leading a team in the design and construction of a new orbital launch pad for the Starship rocket.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience. This position requires hands-on work in various environments and is not available for remote work.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in civil or structural design.
• Strong understanding of structural design and analysis calculations.
• Professional Engineering (PE) or Structural Engineering (SE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project team and manage civil and structural engineering processes.
• Develop and issue drawings and design documentation.
• Conduct onsite engineering inspections.
• Resolve design and construction conflicts in real-time.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or structural engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SAP 2000

STAAD Pro

Job description

Sr. Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad)

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.

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. This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area).

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 other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in civil or structural design, analysis, construction, and drafting

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

• This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area), 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 work extended hours and weekends as neededAbility 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.
• 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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, 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.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.