Role Overview
SpaceX is hiring a Senior Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad ). This is a contract role in Starbase. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
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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.
SR. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)
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 needed
- Ability 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.
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. § 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Senior Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad ) position at SpaceX?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to SpaceX. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Where is the Senior Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad ) position at SpaceX located?
This position is based in Starbase. SpaceX has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.
What does a Senior Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad ) at SpaceX earn?
SpaceX has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Senior Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad ) role at SpaceX posted?
This role was posted on April 30, 2026 (53 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
How much experience does the Senior Structural Engineer (Starship Launch Pad ) role at SpaceX require?
This is a senior-level position. Most senior roles call for 5+ years of directly relevant experience. SpaceX lists their specific requirements in the description below, so review the must-have qualifications closely before applying.
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