Fluid Systems Engineer (Starship Offshore) 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.
FLUID SYSTEMS ENGINEER (STARSHIP OFFSHORE)
As SpaceX continues to expand the frontier of spacecraft and rocket reusability, our primary goals include the improvement of the operational efficiency of existing marine systems, as well as the design and development of new marine based systems to support future recovery efforts. To support these goals, SpaceX is seeking a Fluid Systems Engineer to support the development of marine based launch and landing systems for the Starship program.
In this role, you will utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to rapidly design, build, and activate fluid systems required to support the design of marine based landing and launch systems for the Starship program. Additionally, you will work alongside current recovery operations teams in a continuous effort to improve the performance capabilities of all existing and future SpaceX marine assets.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the design, development, operation, and maintenance of systems supporting the recovery of rockets and spacecraft in a marine environment, including compressible, incompressible, hydraulic, cryogenic, and hypergolic fluids systems
Utilize knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and controls to design systems, perform thermal and flow analysis, and develop piping and instrumentation diagrams
Model piping assemblies using CAD software and perform piping stress analysis
Select components, such as valves, pumps, piping, tanks, and filters, and provide detailed specifications for their purchase
Prepare technical models, drawings and specifications for the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of SpaceX marine recovery assets
Participate in system build and testing operations, hands-on in the field, alongside skilled technician teams
Write procedures for system activation, launch operations, and maintenance
Perform analysis of system performance during real-time activation operations and data reviews
Interact with vendors and contractors to resolve technical issues
Interface with local land-based and maritime regulatory entities: NASA, Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in support of the commissioning of new hardware and ongoing SpaceX recovery operations
Provide innovative solutions to problems under minimal supervision or direction
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
2+ years of experience within the last 5 years designing and building fluid process, hydraulics, or HVAC systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Hands-on experience working with complex fluid or mechanical systems in a professional setting
Demonstrated expertise in the design, build, and operation of pressurized fluid systems per ASME B31.3, ASME B&PV Code Section VIII, AFSPCMAN 91-710, or other applicable codes
Experience using Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD software
Experience using CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis programs
Experience using python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
Familiarity with industrial control systems (such as PLC)
Excellent written and oral communication, especially translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
General hands-on mechanical experience: welding, automotive, robotics, rocketry, etc.
Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
Unfazed by change in strategic direction
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Travel for this position to shipyard in the domestic U.S. will be required - 2 weeks per month (including weekends) on average but could be more; flexibility required
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
Hours may vary depending on operational needs, 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.
