Spacecraft Operations Engineer

2 weeks ago


Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP Full time
LAUNCH ENGINEER (DRAGON FIELD OPERATIONS)

SpaceX is actively looking for skilled professionals to join the Spacecraft Integration - Dragon team as an engineer.

In this role, you will leverage your expertise, experience, and innovative thinking to lead a team focused on developing cutting-edge solutions for human spaceflight operations and reusability.

You will play a crucial role in supporting both pre-launch and post-recovery operations for Dragon, which is designed to transport crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. You will take ownership of your responsibilities and team throughout all project phases.

This position also offers the chance to establish aircraft-like operations for Dragon and collaborate with engineering teams across the program.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develop and implement procedures for the integration, testing, and operation of Crew/Cargo Dragon flight hardware.

2. Create and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of Dragon ground support equipment.

3. Oversee daily mission-specific launch site and vehicle processing activities, including thermal protection system closeout for flight, capsule transport, integration of capsule to trunk, and post-flight TPS removal and maintenance.

4. Conduct vehicle system level checkouts and hazardous operations as a test conductor on console.

5. Refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly, and system test requirements based on insights gained from both flight and ground operations.

6. Manage work orders and drive non-conformances into actionable items and system enhancements.

7. Maintain comprehensive planning documents that account for various capsule configurations and work scopes.

8. Design and develop tools to facilitate vehicle processing and ensure effective vehicle testing capabilities.

9. Collaborate closely with engineering staff from other departments and skilled technicians on a daily basis.

10. Work with government or commercial customers on pre- and post-flight preparations for human spaceflight.

11. Manage and prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining focus on common project objectives.

12. Seek solutions to technical challenges in collaboration with the local team and the broader SpaceX workforce.

13. Communicate vehicle status to a diverse audience during readiness reviews and daily updates.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

- A minimum of 1 year of experience with multi-disciplinary system assemblies (including relevant internships, team projects, or personal projects involving aerospace vehicles, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicles.

- Familiarity with hypergolic propellants.

- Knowledge of high-pressure and electrical systems.

- Experience in drafting test plans and procedures.

- Proficiency in CAD software and handling large CAD models.

- Hands-on experience with one or more of the following:
- Launch vehicle or spacecraft integration.
- Operations in clean rooms of 100,000 class or better.
- Test operations involving gases/fluids.
- Data acquisition setup and field measurements.

- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

- A positive attitude and the ability to thrive in a high-stress environment.

- Excellent teamwork and communication skills with a diverse range of individuals.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass a background check.

- Physical capability to stand, lift, and carry moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 lbs.).

- Willingness to be trained to work with hazardous materials and hypergolic propellants.

- Overall mental fitness to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged focus.

- Occasional travel may be necessary.

- Flexibility to work outdoors and adapt to varying schedules based on operational needs.

COMPENSATION & 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 job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of your total rewards package at SpaceX.

Additional benefits may include long-term incentives, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

Employees may also accrue paid vacation and are eligible for paid holidays each year.

Exempt employees are entitled to sick leave annually.

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