Principal Construction Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 31, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 30, 2026. SpaceX scores A on the Alion truth index.
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.
PRINCIPAL CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER
As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world’s most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. We execute complex construction projects and infrastructure improvements from cradle to grave. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will work with other construction engineers, architects, trade partners and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. All SpaceX construction engineers serve additionally as project managers and supers - this is a construction management role per industry standards. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee and own full lifecycle of projects with on-time and under-budget delivery
- Manage all aspects of multi-discipline construction projects in the field and office
- Be the overall construction project manager and extreme owner
- Perform project control tasks, including project scheduling and cost control
- Interact with contractors, fabricators, and internal customers
- Resolve design and construction conflicts in the field in real-time
- Provide budgetary costs based upon the preliminary scope of the project
- Gather proposals from architects, engineers and contractors; assign contracts upon receipt of all proposals
- Facilitate city, county, and governmental approvals
- Coordinate project implementation and track project status
- Coordinate with end user and facilities team for building operations and maintenance
- Develop tools and approach to supporting the space allocation and adjudication process across the enterprise
- Coordinate real estate planning and management functions as needed
- Take on new projects ad-hoc as the business needs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, architecture, or construction management
- 10+ years of construction experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Experience managing multiple vertical projects
- Knowledge of processes of jurisdictional permitting and/or environmental agencies
- Understanding of multiple disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, piping, 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
- Manufacturing facility experience
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work at elevated heights (200+ feet)
- Physical effort with lifting and carrying materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs.)
- Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
- Valid driver’s license
- Occasional travel may be required to support projects at other sites
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $180,000.00 - $275,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
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].