Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Dragon)

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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, GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (DRAGON)

As a member of the Dragon Spacecraft Integration team, you will work with a group of engineers across multiple disciplines to design, build, activate, and maintain production tools and ground support equipment (GSE) used by the production team to safely build, test, and launch Dragon spacecraft. The Dragon team is looking for engineers who excel at solving complex problems, maintain a high sense of urgency in their work, and contribute as a team player to build new capabilities and innovate. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage and maintain Dragon mechanical tooling and electrical/fluid GSE to preserve operational readiness at launch site processing and test facilities
  • Disposition tooling non-conformances and perform supporting analysis to enable production team to execute without delays
  • Design new systems and improve existing ones to support vehicle processing requirements
  • Ensure all Dragon related tooling equipment/services are performed on time, safely, and in a professional manner
  • Contribute to overall site facility plan as it relates to expanding spacecraft processing capability
  • Demonstrate complete end to end project ownership, coordinate the build, testing and activation of the hardware you design
  • Work closely with Dragon spacecraft integration team and design engineering team and their leadership to ensure the products the team deliver meet form, function, and aesthetic expectations
  • Present cost and schedule trade proposals to leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ year of experience designing, analyzing, or building mechanical structures or fluid systems (internships and design/build/compete project teams qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 3+ year of professional experience designing, analyzing, or building mechanical structures or fluid systems
  • 1+ year(s) of professional experience using a high-end CAD software design package (e.g. NX, CATIA, or Creo)
  • 1+ year(s) of professional experience using technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerations
  • Experience using FEM software to perform structural analysis (ANSYS, FEMAP)
  • Strong understanding and demonstrated application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • 3+ years experience in the design, build, and/or operation of pressurized fluid or electrical systems in a production facility/heavy industry
  • Experience with hypergol and/or hazardous chemical/material handling
  • Experience in writing test plans and procedures
  • Passion for hands on work when needed to enable project completion
  • Skilled in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, parts lists, and specification
  • Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
  • Proactive, self-starter attitude and ability to lead projects through their entirety
  • Ability to independently prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
  • Familiarity with vehicle test and flight operation processes
  • Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • General physical fitness is required, hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
  • Must be comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO)
  • Willing to work with hazardous materials
  • Must be available to travel and work extended hours, nights and weekends when required by mission milestones

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.