Recovery Engineer, Falcon Controller 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.
RECOVERY ENGINEER, FALCON CONTROLLER
SpaceX is currently seeking an individual to join the Falcon Recovery Controller Team in Cape Canaveral, FL. As a member of the Falcon Recovery Controller Team, you will have the opportunity to utilize your multi-disciplinary knowledge, experience, and creativity to coordinate and develop Falcon 9 landing operations as part of the launch team in the control room. You will be responsible for controlling drone ship, landing site, and launch vehicle systems while monitoring internally developed automation to ensure a successful first stage landing. Your contributions will directly impact SpaceX's ability to land and re-fly the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, paving the way to rapid reusability.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the execution of Falcon 9 landing and recovery operations while controlling recovery vessels/sites, flight proven boosters, and launch countdown automation from the control room
Optimize, coordinate, and troubleshoot offshore operations remotely with supporting engineering teams and a skilled technician workforce
Complete post-landing safing, fluid system processing, and monitoring of the Falcon 9 first stage
Develop software/automation for SpaceX's droneships and Falcon 9 rocket aimed at facilitating airport-like recovery operations in an open, collaborative atmosphere
Identify and propose potential upgrades to recovery hardware, software, and procedures - drive continuous improvement in these areas by interfacing regularly with various teams across SpaceX
Work closely with Falcon 9 guidance navigation & control, avionics, and stage responsible engineers on a per-mission basis to ensure the launch vehicle and recovery assets are configured correctly
Contribute to system and procedural development of next generation autonomous vessels and maritime operations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
3+ years of experience in a test, automation, and/or integration engineering role (internships and design/build/compete project teams qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience working at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns
Experience in control and monitoring of complex automated systems and risk assessment/reduction of the system
Experience working on projects that involve the integration of fluid, electrical, mechanical, and software systems
Prior flight hardware, offshore operations, or marine hardware experience
Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases and fluids, etc.)
Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid, pneumatic valves)
Strong work ethic and drive to succeed balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
Able to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven and demanding atmosphere
Strong project management skills
Able to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
Advanced degree in an engineering discipline
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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
May be exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
Occasional travel to other SpaceX sites, as needed; ~5%.
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
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.
