Launch Engineer, Flight Control (Starship Launch Operations) 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.
LAUNCH ENGINEER, FLIGHT CONTROL (STARSHIP LAUNCH OPERATIONS)
SpaceX is currently seeking an individual to join a team of launch operations engineers and launch specialists in Cape Canaveral. Upon joining this operations team, you will undergo training and perform test and launch operations in Starbase for a minimum of 6 months. As a Launch Operations Engineer in the Starship launch operations engineering group, you will have the opportunity to utilize your multi-disciplinary knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop solutions to launch operations with the goal of maximizing efficiency without sacrificing safety or reliability. The Starship Launch Operations team currently operates various different facilities in Starbase including Suborbital Pad A, Suborbital Pad B, Orbital Pad A and in the near future at test and launch facilities in Cape Canaveral as well. As a member of this team, you will be ultimately responsible for the success of all operations occurring on the Launch Pads. This includes ensuring both ground and vehicle software and hardware has been verified and tested to meet the requirements of SpaceX Launch Vehicles. You will also be responsible for the successful identification, development, and execution of software, hardware and process upgrades to drive towards a physics-based launch-to-launch cadence with increased reliability and decreased cost.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform flight control duties running point in charge of launch and test campaigns on the Starship test pads as well as the Starship orbital launch pad.
Develop integrated vehicle and pad operations to be streamlined with the goal of making spaceflight operations as robust and efficient as aircraft like operations.
Develop software automation, process improvements and work closely with hardware design teams to drive towards a physics-based launch-to-launch cadence
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
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering discipline
Experience with one or more of following software patterns: real time systems, state machine design, or defensive programming
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience working at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns
Experience coordinating and executing large projects requiring multi-disciplinary knowledge, scheduling of resources, and coordinating with vendors and other support teams
Demonstrated expertise with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid, pneumatic valves, etc.)
Demonstrated expertise in SpaceX core planning tools such as shop floor, manufacturing planning, and test plans
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and the ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex problems to a wide variety of audiences
Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases & fluids, etc.)
Knowledge of engineering standards and best practices such as ASME B31.3, ASME BPV Code Section VIII, NFPA, NEC, and AFSPCMAN 91-710
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
Strong work ethic and drive to for constant improvement balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be willing to train and execute test and launch operations in Starbase, TX for first 6 months of employment
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed
Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 50%
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.
