Launch Engineer (Dragon Field Operations)

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.

LAUNCH ENGINEER (DRAGON FIELD OPERATIONS)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for an engineer position on the Spacecraft Integration - Dragon team. As a part of the team, you will utilize your knowledge, experience and creativity to manage a team that will develop novel solutions in human spaceflight operations and reusability. You will support pre-launch and post-recovery operations for Dragon, designed to take crew and cargo to low earth orbit. You will have ownership of your work and team in all phases. The role will also provide an opportunity to establish aircraft-like operations on Dragon and interface with engineering teams across the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute procedures for the integration, test and operation of Crew/Cargo Dragon flight hardware
• Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration Dragon ground support equipment
• Responsible for enabling day-to-day execution of mission specific launch site and vehicle processing activities including but not limited to thermal protection system closeout for flight, capsule transport, integration of capsule to trunk, integration of Dragon to Falcon and post flight TPS removal/ time sensitive maintenance
• Run vehicle system level checkouts and hazardous operations as a test conductor on console
• Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly, system test requirements and procedures based on lessons learned from both flight and ground operations
• Manage work orders and the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements
• Maintain large integrated planning documents that are inclusive of varying capsule configurations and work scope
• Design and develop tools to enable vehicle processing and ensure vehicle testing abilities
• Closely collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
• Work with a government or commercial customer on pre- and post- flight preparations for human spaceflight
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
• Seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team along with the larger SpaceX workforce
• Communicate vehicle status to a broad audience in readiness reviews and daily updates

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with multi-disciplinary system assemblies (past work experience, internships, team/personal projects with aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Experience working with hypergolic propellants
• Experience working with high pressure and electrical systems
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
• Experience interacting with CAD software and large CAD models
• Proficiency in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following:
  • Launch vehicle or spacecraft integration
  • Operations in 100,000 class or better clean rooms
  • Test operations with gases/fluids
  • Data acquisition setup and field measurements
• Acute attention to detail
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
• A positive, upbeat attitude
• The ability to perform work expectations and thrive in a high-stress environment
• Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 lbs.)
• Comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and willing to work with hazardous materials
• Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
• Occasional travel may be required
• Willingness to work outdoors
• 50 hour work weeks are typical, schedule varies depending on site operational needs, flexibility required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Launch Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Launch Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.