SpaceX
Project Engineer, Critical Lift (Starship)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Project Engineer for Critical Lift operations at Starbase to design, plan, and execute heavy-haul transport and lifting operations for Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. You'll solve complex structural and mechanical challenges while coordinating across engineering teams to ensure safe, efficient launch pad operations and ground support equipment handling.
What you'll do
- Plan, analyze, and execute critical lifts and heavy-haul transports for large rocket stages and ground support equipment while ensuring compliance with OSHA, ASME B30, and engineering standards
- Develop rigging designs and transport configurations using AutoCAD, FEA, and center-of-gravity calculations
- Coordinate with vehicle structures, manufacturing, launch ops, and logistics teams to assess hardware mass properties, load paths, and structural capability
- Select and specify equipment such as mobile cranes, SPMTs, hydraulic trailers, and rigging hardware with capacity verification
- Provide engineering disposition for complex structural, civil, and mechanical issues using calculation and engineering judgment
- Review and approve all critical transport and lift operations for safety and reliability
What they're looking for
- Critical lift planning and rigging design
- AutoCAD and CAD modeling
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Center-of-gravity and load path calculations
- Structural and mechanical engineering
- OSHA and ASME B30 regulations knowledge
- Heavy equipment operations (cranes, SPMTs)
- Cross-functional coordination and communication
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe your experience planning and executing critical lifts for large-scale hardware. What was the most complex lift challenge you've managed?
- Walk us through your approach to developing a rigging design from scratch—what analysis and tools would you use?