LNG Pipeline Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior level engineers with LNG or natural gas experience who can manage cross-functional projects and coordinate with external stakeholders. The role emphasizes physical demands and requires U.S. citizenship or residency for compliance with ITAR regulations.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 3+ years in LNG processing or natural gas pipeline design and strong technical leadership experience
    — “3+ years of relevant experience in liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing, cryogenics, or the natural gas industry”
  • Professionals familiar with cryogenic systems and capable of evaluating contractor proposals for design optimization
    — “Apply fundamental knowledge of liquefaction processes to optimize design and evaluate contractor proposals”
  • Individuals with proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external EPC firms on complex infrastructure projects
    — “Coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to align on high-level technical decisions”

Things to consider

  • The role requires U.S. citizenship or residency due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident”
  • The position involves physical labor and exposure to harsh environments, including extreme temperatures and noise
    — “Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain”
  • Travel is a significant commitment, with up to 15% time required at other launch sites
    — “Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of build and operational activities”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with LNG plant operations and cryogenic thermodynamics in your resume and interview responses
    — “Strong understanding of process fundamentals: cryogenic thermodynamics, heat exchangers, compressors”
  • Emphasize your ability to manage cross-functional teams and coordinate with external vendors on complex projects
    — “Coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders”
  • Showcase your project management experience, specifically overseeing projects from concept to commissioning
    — “Oversee project execution from concept to commissioning”
  • Include experience with process simulation tools like Aspen or HYSYS in your qualifications
    — “Familiarity with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, HYSYS, ProMax)”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • managing LNG pipeline projects
  • coordinating with multidisciplinary teams
  • overseeing project execution
Typical background
Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering and 3+ years of relevant experience

Skills & requirements

Required

LNG ProcessingCryogenicsProject ManagementProcess SimulationSafety Protocols

Preferred

Renewable Energy Applications

Stack & domain

Chemical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringPetroleum EngineeringLiquefied Natural Gas (lng) ProcessingCryogenicsProcess Simulation Tools (e.g., Aspen, Hysys, Promax)CommunicationLNGPipelineEngineering

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

LNG PROCESS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

We are seeking an experienced engineer to join SpaceX to support methane liquefaction infrastructure build, as well as natural gas pipeline design projects. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of process fundamentals and project management skills to make high-level technical decisions, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and drive projects to completion in a timely, safe, and efficient manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide engineering  and project management support for methane liquefaction systems and natural gas pipeline installations

Coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to align on high-level technical decisions

Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms on the design and build of natural gas pipeline and methane liquefaction infrastructure

Manage relationships with third-party contractors and vendors for core equipment (e.g., compressors, heat exchangers, cryogenic systems), ensuring deliverables meet quality, safety, and performance standards

Oversee project execution from concept to commissioning, conducting regular progress reviews, site visits, and adjustments to maintain schedule, safety, and efficiency

Apply fundamental knowledge of liquefaction processes to optimize design and evaluate contractor proposals

Ensure all activities adhere to safety protocols, environmental standards, and best practices for timely project delivery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering

3+ years of relevant experience in liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing, cryogenics, or the natural gas industry

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong understanding of process fundamentals: cryogenic thermodynamics, heat exchangers, compressors, and expanders

Hands-on experience with LNG plant operations and liquefaction systems

Familiarity with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, HYSYS, ProMax)

Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and with 3rd party vendors

Knowledge of applicable codes and standards for LNG and pipeline design

Familiarity with renewable or alternative energy applications

Prior work in fast-paced, innovative environments, such as energy startups or industrial gas sectors

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of build and operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%

Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and 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.

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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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