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, SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION (DRAGON OPERATIONS)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a position on the Dragon Spacecraft Integration team. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to perform the suite of operations required to support the Crew and Cargo Dragon spacecraft fleet. You will work with numerous systems including those providing hypergolic propellants, high-pressure helium, life support, and thermal control for Dragon. This position includes involvement 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 and avionics 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 systems supporting Dragon spacecraft ground operations
• Work with and direct skilled technician workforce to carry out integrated system build, operation, and maintenance
• Develop and test automation to improve the efficiency and reliability of spacecraft operations
• Design new systems and improve existing ones to support vehicle processing requirements
• Support integration of both pressurized and unpressurized cargo
• Support transport and integration of Dragon onto the Falcon 9 launch vehicle
• Select components, such as DAQ, instrumentation, 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
• 1+ years of experience with 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:

• Master’s degree in engineering and/or hands-on experience working with fluid, electrical 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.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Launch Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Launch Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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.