Sr. Spaceport Engineer (Starship)

SR. SPACEPORT ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

Starbase is the center of SpaceX's plans to revolutionize space travel, serving as our primary site for Starship development and operations. We're seeking a licensed Professional Engineer for this direct full-time SpaceX employee role. You will be responsible for final plan review of permitting plan sets before they are submitted to permitting authorities. Among other standard-related matters, you will also be responsible for managing contract surveyors, long-term infrastructure planning, and developing internal plan sets and engineering standards. In this role, you'll own the permitting process for infrastructure developments, bridging the gap between our internal teams, consultants, and local authorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the primary owner and reviewer for final plan documents produced by internal engineering teams and external consultants, ensuring they are submission ready.
• Develop standardized form plan sets, establish minimum standards, and create checklists to guide engineers in producing high-quality, compliant engineering documents.
• Provide expert guidance to cross-functional teams on the status of plans, including readiness assessments for stamping and submission, to streamline workflows and minimize delays.
• Manage contract surveyors and coordinate survey deliverables to support permitting and design efforts.
• Lead long-term infrastructure planning to accelerate growth and operations.
• Collaborate with project managers, designers, and stakeholders to resolve technical issues, optimize designs for efficiency, and incorporate innovative solutions that align with SpaceX's rapid iteration ethos.
• Stay up to date on the latest in civil engineering codes, permitting processes, and best practices to ensure Starbase's infrastructure supports our aggressive launch and development timelines.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of our engineering documentation processes, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of Texas, with the ability to stamp and certify plans.
• 5+ years of experience in civil engineering, including project management, plan development, and permitting processes.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in high-stakes, fast-paced environments such as aerospace, construction, or large-scale industrial developments.
• Familiarity with Texas-specific regulations, including those relevant to coastal or high-growth areas like Starbase.
• Strong communication skills to mentor engineers and provide clear, actionable feedback on plan development stages.
• Proficiency in engineering software tools (e.g., GIS, AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and document management systems.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous situations, adapting quickly to evolving project needs while maintaining rigorous standards.
• Passion for space exploration and a willingness to relocate to work in Starbase, Texas, to be at the forefront of humanity's multiplanetary future.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based in Starbase, TX and requires being onsite – remote work not considered.
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Must be willing to travel periodically including to other SpaceX locations as needed.