SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SPACEPORT DESIGNER, ARCHITECT (STARBASE DEVELOPMENT)
As a member of the Starbase Development team you will be directly responsible for designing residential, commercial, and industrial projects that ultimately support the rapid production of Starship. You will directly manage design projects from concept development through execution. You will work with a group of elite architects, engineers and construction project managers across multiple disciplines to build-out the Starbase campus as the gateway to Mars. This position is based in Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and build aesthetic and functional architectural projects and associated outdoor spaces, manage all phases of the project from planning to final delivery
- Partner with cross-departmental teams, stakeholders, and end-users to define requirements and derive design details for all functional and utility needs
- Define project programming and propose siting and massing options
- Develop and issue architectural plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules and specifications for bid, permit, and construction documents
- Produce 3D renders and visualizations to support project design reviews
- Coordinate project designs with responsible engineers for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, network, audio-visual, fire & life safety systems
- Write and manage design and construction contracts with subcontractors across multiple disciplines through contract close-out
- Perform project control tasks, including project scheduling, budgeting, and cost control. Design project to meet target budgets
- Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real time
- Take on new projects ad-hoc as the business needs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture, architectural engineering, or other design or technical discipline
- 2+ years of experience with architectural design
- Experience with Revit software
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with city planning or master planning for large campuses or developments
- Experience with designing for industrial, aerospace, or manufacturing projects
- Experience in modeling and/or rendering software (Rhino, Blender, Sketchup, D5, Enscape, or similar)
- Experience in AutoCAD suite software and Revu Bluebeam
- Experience in construction and project management
- Basic knowledge of photometric analysis and electrical design
- Knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC)
- Licensed architect in the state of Texas
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivated and work autonomously and efficiently in a dynamic team environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- This position is based in Starbase, TX (Brownsville/South Padre Island Area) and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
- Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction
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.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or related field
- 2+ years of experience with architectural design
- Experience with Revit software
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
