Sr. Fluid Operations Engineer (Dragon) at SpaceX
Cape Canaveral, FL, United States
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.
SR. FLUID OPERATIONS ENGINEER (DRAGON)
SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a position on the Dragon Ground Operations team. This role will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to perform the suite of fluid operations required to support the Crew and Cargo Dragon spacecraft fleet. You will work with numerous fluid systems including those providing hypergolic propellants, high-pressure helium, life support, and thermal control for Dragon. The role will be involved in multiple phases of the vehicle lifecycle including pre-launch processing, launch operations, recovery, and refurbishment, and your efforts will directly contribute to human spaceflight.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operate ground and spacecraft fluids systems as an on-console test engineer
Lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and hypergolic propellants
Work closely with vehicle engineering teams to develop checkout procedures for flight hardware
Maintain operational readiness of all fluid systems supporting Dragon spacecraft ground operations
Work with and direct skilled technician workforce to carry out fluid system build, operation, and maintenance
Develop and test automation to improve the efficiency and reliability of fluid operations
Design new fluid systems and improve existing ones to support vehicle processing requirements
Select components, such as valves, pumps, piping, tanks, and filters, and provide specifications for their purchase
Complete design and drafting of schematics (piping and instrumentation diagrams)
Provide innovative solutions to problems while working with minimal supervision
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
5+ years of experience with fluid systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree in engineering and/or hands-on experience working with complex fluid or mechanical systems in a professional setting
Demonstrated expertise in the design, build, and/or operation of pressurized fluid systems
Experience with hypergolic propellants or other hazardous materials
Familiarity with data acquisition systems and/or industrial control systems
Excellent written and oral communication, especially translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
General hands-on mechanical experience: automotive, robotics, rocketry, etc.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
Schedules vary due to site operational needs, and night/weekend shifts are often necessary - flexibility is required
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.