LAUNCH ENGINEER, CONTROL & FLIGHT OPERATIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Control launch vehicle, launch pad, recovery vessels/sites, and launch countdown as a primary launch controller for SpaceX’s fleet of vehicles
- Serve as the main point of contact for launch readiness, launch anomaly resolutions, and day-to-day launch pad operations
- Evaluate ground and flight operations to drive streamlined control room operations
- Use fluid dynamic, thermodynamic, low voltage electrical, and mechanical system knowledge to provide guidance to teams as they troubleshoot and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment
- Work closely with design teams to spearhead the implementation of hardware, software, and process improvements to drive towards a rapid launch-to-launch cadence
- Develop software and processes that automate how SpaceX tests and validates ground and vehicle software
- Help design automation back-end software to optimize how operators interact with hardware
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering discipline
- 2+ years of experience in a test, automation, and/or an integration engineering role (internships, design/build/compete project team experience qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns
- Experience working on projects that involve the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems
- Demonstrated expertise with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid, pneumatic valves, etc.)
- Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases and fluids, etc.)
- Strong work ethic and drive for constant improvement, balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and the ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex problems to a wide variety of audiences
- Strong project management skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as launch manifest dictates
- Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
- Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
- Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
- Comfort working in outdoor environments as required for system troubleshooting
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral
COMPENSATION AND 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 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.