Project Engineer, Critical Lift (Starship)
Core
Design, review, and execute critical lift and heavy-haul transport operations for large-scale hardware (rocket stages, ground support equipment) at launch sites, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Role type
Senior IC Project Engineer (Critical Lift & Transport)
Builds
Launch pad operations, ground support equipment logistics, and production transport for Starship and Super Heavy vehicles.
Domain
Aerospace / Heavy Industrial Lifting
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work -> physical/clinical work (specifically: engineered lift plans, rigging designs, transport configurations, and operational execution)
Required skills
mechanical and structural hardware design, finite element analysis (FEA), center-of-gravity calculations, risk assessment, hazard analysis, fatigue/stress analysis, equipment selection and specification, regulatory compliance (OSHA, ASME B30), cross-functional coordination, root cause analysis, engineering documentation.
Preferred skills
crane lifting and rigging operations, high-pressure/hazardous systems experience, SOLIDWORKS or Siemens NX, ANSYS or FEMAP, specialized equipment expertise (crawler cranes, SPMTs, jacks, gantries), professional certifications (NCCCO, PE), advanced degree in engineering.
Technologies
AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, ANSYS, FEMAP
Responsibilities
Plan and execute critical lifts and heavy-haul transports; develop lift plans and rigging designs; coordinate with cross-functional teams on mass properties and structural capability; select and inspect lifting equipment; conduct risk and stress analyses; oversee on-site operations and debriefs; interface with external vendors; maintain engineering documentation; support off-hour troubleshooting; drive process improvement; represent company to government agencies.
Seniority
Mid-Senior, hands-on IC