Critical Lift & Transport Engineer

1w1 week ago

SpaceX

US · Full-time · $130,000 – $180,000

About this role

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting. The company is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. Join the launch site engineering team in Starbase, TX, to develop solutions for launch pad operations, ground support equipment, transportation, and production.

Ensure all aspects of critical transport and lift operations for Starship and Super Heavy booster vehicles, plus ground support equipment, are properly designed, reviewed, and executed. Address complex structural, civil, and mechanical issues using engineering intuition and thorough calculations. Provide engineering disposition for the path forward.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams including vehicle structures, manufacturing, launch ops, and logistics. Interface with external vendors for specialized equipment like cranes, SPMTs, and rigging. Oversee on-site operations from pre-lift dry runs to post-operation debriefs.

Drive continuous improvement in lift and transport processes by adopting new technologies. Represent SpaceX by presenting certification packages to US government agencies like NASA and US Space Force. Support off-hour operations for high-stakes lifts and transports.

Requirements

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
Knowledge of safety standards and regulations like OSHA and ASME B30
Proficiency in tools like AutoCAD and finite element analysis (FEA)
Familiarity with center-of-gravity calculations and rigging designs

Responsibilities

Plan, analyze, and execute critical lifts and heavy-haul transports for large-scale hardware like rocket stages and ground support equipment
Develop critical lift plans, rigging designs, and transport configurations using AutoCAD, FEA, and center-of-gravity calculations
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to assess hardware mass properties, rigging locations, structural capability, stability, and load paths
Select and specify equipment such as mobile cranes, SPMTs, hydraulic trailers, and rigging hardware; perform inspections and capacity verifications
Conduct risk assessments, hazard analyses, and fatigue/stress analyses for lifts exceeding standard capacities
Oversee on-site operations including pre-lift dry runs, real-time monitoring, and post-operation debriefs
Interface with external vendors for equipment rentals and oversee contracted operations
Maintain documentation including engineering calculations, drawings, and reports for audits