Structural Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship)

Starbase, TX Aerospace Full-time Posted Aug 12, 2026
Apply on SpaceX (opens in a new tab) Sourced via boards.greenhouse.io · Posted 2026-08-12

About this role

SpaceX is hiring a Structural Engineer, Launch Pad (Starship), full-time, on-site in Starbase, TX, in the Aerospace sector.

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.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, LAUNCH PAD (STARSHIP)

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.

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 another engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in civil or structural design, analysis, construction, and drafting (competition team or intern experience qualifies)

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:

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • This position is based in Starbase, Texas 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 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 .

Description from SpaceX's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

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About SpaceX

SpaceX

Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. Starlink and Starship. Hawthorne, CA.

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About Larry Sherwood Jr.

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