Starship Lift & Transport Engineer — Heavy-Haul Specialist

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Critical Lift & Transport Engineer (Starship) to join the launch site engineering team in Starbase, TX. You will plan, analyze, and execute critical lifts and transports for Starship hardware, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while coordinating with multi‑discipline teams to optimize load paths and equipment utilization.

The role requires hands‑on mechanical and structural experience, familiarity with CAD/FEA tools, and the ability to operate in high‑pressure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience working with mechanical and structural hardware.
• 1+ years of experience with crane lifting, rigging, or transport operations.
• Experience prioritizing and executing tasks in high‑pressure, fast‑paced industrial environments while operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases & fluids, etc.).
• Experience using SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or similar CAD software.
• Proficiency in engineering analysis software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP or similar finite element analysis software) for static/dynamic load modeling.
• Strong understanding of mechanics, including statics, dynamics, materials science, and failure modes.
• Familiarity with relevant lifting standards and regulations.
• Expertise in specialized equipment like crawler cranes, all‑terrain cranes, SPMTs, jacks, and gantries.
• Professional certifications such as crane operator + rigger (NCCCO + NCCER) or Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Knowledge of SpaceX‑specific or similar hardware (e.g., Falcon/Starship transport logistics).
• Strong communication skills for presenting complex plans to leadership and training junior staff.
• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline or related advanced training.
• Strong work ethic and drive to for constant improvement balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, analyze, and execute critical lifts and heavy‑haul transports for large‑scale hardware, ensuring safety standards and engineering best practices are met.
• Develop critical lift plans, rigging designs, and transport configurations using CAD, FEA, and CG calculations.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to assess mass properties, rigging locations, structural capability, stability, and load paths.
• Select and specify equipment such as cranes, SPMTs, hydraulic trailers; perform inspections and verifications.
• Conduct risk assessments, hazard analyses, and fatigue/stress analyses for lifts exceeding standard capacities.
• Oversee on‑site operations, including dry runs, real‑time monitoring, and debriefs.
• Interface with vendors for specialized equipment rentals and oversee contracted operations.
• Maintain documentation including calculations, drawings, and regulatory reports.
• Support off‑hour operations and real‑time troubleshooting during high‑stakes lifts.
• Drive continuous improvement in lift/transport processes and adopt new technologies.
• Present certification data to US government agencies and mission partners.

Skills

Crane lifting

Rigging

Transport operations

High-pressure environment

Team training

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering (preferred)

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Siemens NX

ANSYS / FEMAP

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Critical Lift & Transport Engineer (Starship) to join the launch site engineering team in Starbase, TX. You will plan, analyze, and execute critical lifts and transports for Starship hardware, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while coordinating with multi‑discipline teams to optimize load paths and equipment utilization.

The role requires hands‑on mechanical and structural experience, familiarity with CAD/FEA tools, and the ability to operate in high‑pressure