Launch Engineer, Final Integration (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.
LAUNCH ENGINEER, FINAL INTEGRATION (DRAGON)
SpaceX's Dragon team is currently seeking talented individuals for a Launch Engineer position on the Dragon Final Integration team. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions in human spaceflight operations and re-usability. You will directly work on the final assembly and pre-launch integrated vehicle tests of our cargo and crew Dragon spacecraft. For human flights, you will also have the opportunity to work on pre-flight processing of the crew as they embark on their journey to the International Space Station, meaning direct interface with the astronauts. The role will challenge you to seek ways improve vehicle processing, lead labor hour reduction initiatives, and ultimately to establish aircraft-like operations on Dragon.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operate as a Dragon vehicle controller and test conductor during Dragon integrated system tests
Enable day-to-day execution of vehicle integration and checkouts for launch readiness
Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware and ground support equipment, including contributing to automated test infrastructure (hardware and software)
Manage work orders and the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements
Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle assembly and testing capabilities
Closely collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
Work with a government or commercial customer on pre- and post- flight preparations for human spaceflight
Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
Seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team along with the larger SpaceX workforce
Provide innovative solutions to problems while working with minimal supervision
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of experience with complex, multi-disciplinary system assemblies (past work experience, internships, team/personal projects with aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
1+ years of previous professional experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles
1+ years of previous professional experience in writing test plans and test procedures
1+ years of previous professional experience working with/in analog and digital circuits, fluids, statics and mechanics, test operations, sensors and instrumentation, data acquisition, and software.
Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Willing to work in clean room environment
Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 lbs.)
Comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and willing to work with hazardous materials
Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
Occasional travel may be required
Schedules vary due to site operational needs, and night/weekend shift rotations are often necessary - flexibility is required
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.