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 Starbase. As a launch operations engineer on 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 operates various different facilities in Starbase including suborbital pad A, suborbital pad B, orbital pad A and in the near future orbital pad B as well as launch operations on the offshore platforms. You will be ultimately responsible for the success of all hazardous operations such as cryoproof, static fire, flight, orbital operations, and post-landing safing. 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, commanding ground and vehicle systems, to achieve test and launch campaign objectives on the Starship test/launch sites
• Streamline integrated vehicle and pad operations with the goal of making spaceflight operations as robust and efficient as aircraft operations
• Design state machines and write launch pad control software in our in-house control language, write supporting unit tests in Python
• Work closely with hardware design teams to improve future designs and operational processes and 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 the following software patterns: real time systems, state machine design and 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 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 and 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 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 15%
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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.