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Launch & Ops

Manager, Critical Lift (Starship)

SpaceX logoSpaceX~$80.1k–$179k/yrtypicalStarbase, TXPosted 2mo ago

This role falls under U.S. export rules, so the posting asks for U.S. person status. That means a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a refugee or an asylee.

About the role

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.

MANAGER, CRITICAL LIFT (STARSHIP)

The Manager of the Critical Lift team plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of Starbase. It will be your job to manage all crane operations onsite, including critical flight hardware lifts and construction-related lifts to ensure that SpaceX's goals and objectives are being met.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage a team of technicians and supervisors who specialize in heavy crane lifting and rigging operations
  • Lead by setting an example, taking feedback from all levels of the organization, and motivating your organization to achieve the highest level of results
  • Monitor and improve operations, ensuring a safe work environment – with a goal of zero OSHA recordables
  • Conduct regular safety walks, address safety issues, and promote safety policies
  • Create and implement critical lift plans
  • Manage fleet of owned and rented crane and rigging assets
  • Build strong working relationships with cross-functional and upstream partners to ensure effective and efficient team operations
  • Follow applicable DOT, local, state, and federal safety requirements; environmental and system principles
  • Assess employee performance; provide positive and constructive feedback; provide conflict resolution; complete annual performance review process; address performance issues with corrective actions in performance improvement plans or through disciplinary actions
  • Learn and apply qualitative and quantitative methods to measure team effectiveness and performance
  • Identify process improvement and modifications to develop strategies, increase efficiency, and improve upon existing company objectives
  • Analyze logistics problems and produce new solutions to aid in faster, leaner processing of flight hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
  • Lead cost saving opportunities, identifying internal/external cost reductions and optimization opportunities
  • Lead Industrial Standards Audits for lifting operations
  • Ensure all processes are followed and remain compliant
  • Ensure employees have requisite training and remain proficient in their compliance work
  • Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
  • Above all, remain dependable which means being unfazed by ambiguity or major changes in strategic direction

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 8+ years of experience in Heavy Lifting Operations
  • 4+ years of experience leading Lifting and Rigging teams with direct reports

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Understanding of all rigging equipment - shackles, straps, slings, rope, hoists, etc.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership traits
  • Experience with continuous process improvement and implementation of new methods for creating improved efficiencies in business operations
  • Experience with preventative maintenance of equipment, as well as equipment operational awareness
  • Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Word and PowerPoint
  • Stellar communication skills both written and verbal
  • Must be well organized and able to multi-task, detail oriented while also working within time constraints and deadlines.
  • Must be comfortable working in a high-stress environment, balancing several projects at any given time, as well as able to absorb and re-plan for abrupt changes in strategic direction
  • Understanding of all rigging equipment - shackles, straps, slings, rope, hoists, etc.
  • NCCCO/NCCER Certifications

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com .

Copied from the listing SpaceX published, verified 30 Oct 2026.

The application

Your details and CV, then 13 questions.

Have readyCVLinkedIn (optional)Cover letter (optional)
  1. 1.
    Please specifyShort answer · optional
  2. 2.
    GPA (Undergraduate)Pick one (13 options)
  3. 3.
    GPA (Graduate)Pick one (13 options)
  4. 4.
    GPA (Doctorate)Pick one (13 options)
  5. 5.
    SAT ScorePick one (156 options)
  6. 6.
    ACT ScorePick one (19 options)
  7. 7.
    GRE ScorePick one (156 options)
  8. 8.
    Active Security Clearance(s)Pick any (8 options)
  9. 9.
    SpaceX & SpaceXAI Employment HistoryPick one
  10. 10.
    Can you perform all of the essential functions of this role with or without reasonable accommodations?Yes or no
  11. 11.
    Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?Pick one
  12. 12.
    Citizenship StatusPick one
  13. 13.
    If (f) Other, please explain:Short answer · optional

Taken from the application form SpaceX runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.

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