SR. LAUNCH ENGINEER, FALCON ENGINEERING
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Process Falcon 9 flight vehicles in the pursuit of rapid and reliable rocket re-use, integration and launch
- Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of new and flight proven rockets and ground support equipment
- Assist with and lead hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of new and flight-proven vehicle assemblies
- Lead critical on-site operations while collaborating with engineering staff from other departments and SpaceX locations to resolve off-nominal test results and ensure flight readiness
- Partner with, and provide direction to highly skilled field technicians on a daily basis
- Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle assembly and conduct vehicle system testing
- Identify high-risk processes and problems during flight hardware processing, and proactively implement improvements to ensure operational excellence
- Lead and facilitate root cause and corrective action investigations to ensure that issues related to product reliability and quality that cause downstream disruption are corrected
- Rapidly develop and refine manufacturing assembly procedures based on lessons learned
- Manage work orders and the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical and/or fluid systems in the design, manufacturing, or implementation phases
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Advanced degree in one of the following engineering disciplines: mechatronics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering
- 5+ years of professional experience designing, building, integrating, and testing complex multi-disciplinary systems
- Experience writing test plans and test procedures
- Experience working on projects that involve the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems (launch vehicle and/or spacecraft experience is not required)
- Proficient in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following: launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; composite structure design or testing; test operations with gases/fluids; data acquisition setup and field measurements
- Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.)
- Professional experience working with large assembly moves (e.g. crane operations)
- Flight hardware avionics experience
- Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
- Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity
- Advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, and/or aerospace engineering
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Air Force Base
- Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 lbs.)
- Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
- Ability to be flexible on shifts
- Occasional travel may be required
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Launch Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/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.
