Construction Project Manager, Critical Lift (Starship)

About the role

As a member of the Starship Critical Lift and Transport Operations (CLT) team, you will collaborate with engineers and managers across multiple disciplines to design, build, and commission infrastructure that minimizes risk for safety-critical lifting and transport operations at Starbase and other SpaceX facilities. You will influence design and own end-to-end project execution, with primary emphasis on planning and performing complex lifting activities essential to developing SpaceX infrastructure. This position is based in South Texas (Brownsville/Starbase) and requires frequent travel >50%.

Responsibilities

• Direct the team's compliance with safety programs and maintain a strong safety culture across all active projects and field operations
• Write and manage design, engineering, and construction contracts across multiple disciplines through project completion
• Perform project control tasks including scheduling, budgeting, quality control, logistics, and operational coordination
• Manage high-level coordination with engineering, manufacturers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to resolve cross-functional issues and remove roadblocks
• Interact with contractors, designers, fabricators, and internal customers
• Resolve design and construction conflicts in real-time in the field
• Lead and develop a team of construction personnel responsible for critical operations and infrastructure projects across multiple SpaceX facilities and locations
• Oversee and own the full lifecycle of projects to achieve on-time and under-budget delivery with customer satisfaction. The following project management responsibilities apply:
• Mentor team members on field execution, contractor management, and problem-solving in a fast-paced construction environment
• Drive accountability for on-time and on-budget delivery from factory to foundation, while supporting rapid iteration typical of SpaceX programs
• Manage tools and organization systems relating to the construction and lifting projects
• Provide budgetary estimates based upon the preliminary scope of the project
• Gather proposals from vendors, engineers and contractors; award contracts upon receipt of all proposals
• Develop the final cost and schedule for the lift and transport portions of project, and implement controls as needed to manage cost, schedule, and scope
• Review technical submittals
• Facilitate FAA/governmental approvals where required
• Coordinate project implementation and track project status
• Coordinate with end user and facilities team for building operations and maintenance
• Communicate with internal legal team

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction management, or an engineering related discipline OR 4+ years of professional experience in construction, engineering, or facilities management in lieu of a degree
• 3+ years of professional experience in construction management or engineering
• 1+ years of professional experience managing heavy lift/heavy haul projects

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with project management and scheduling software
• Design and build experience in a technical field
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD
• Knowledge of processes of jurisdictional permitting and/or environmental agencies
• Understanding of multiple disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, and surveying
• Experience with project management of major construction projects including estimating, cost control, schedule, and contractor management
• Experience reading, reviewing, and approving shop and fabrication drawings, blueprints, and technical manuals
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Frequent travel may be required to support operations at production and launch sites, requires frequent travel >50%
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Ability to work in outdoor environments
• Candidate must be capable of safely 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
• Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed
• Ability to pass background/clearance checks

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.