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.

FLUIDS ENGINEER, LAUNCH HARDWARE ENGINEERING

The Launch Hardware Engineering team is seeking a talented Fluids Engineer where you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to rapidly design, build, and activate fluid systems supporting launch pads, landing facilities, test sites, production facilities and other locations as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, build, and activate cryogenic, high pressure, oxygen-clean, hydraulic, or other fluid systems to support and improve the launch manifest of Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon vehicles
• Utilize knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid flow, and controls to design and analyze process systems, develop piping and instrumentation diagrams
• Model piping assemblies using CAD software and perform piping stress analysis
• Select components, such as valves, pumps, piping, tanks, and filters, and provide detailed specifications for their purchase
• Coordinate with engineers from other disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, controls, etc) to establish a complete system design
• Manage the fabrication and installation of fluid systems and other construction projects occurring at the launch and test sites, hands-on in the field, alongside skilled technician teams
• Perform planning, analysis, and troubleshooting of system performance during real-time activation operations and post-test data reviews
• Work closely with operations teams to ensure system design is well-understood and easy to operate long term
• Provide innovative solutions to problems under minimal supervision or direction

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with fluid systems or process engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering
• 5+ years of hands-on experience working with cryogenic fluid systems in a professional setting or outside the classroom project team
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, build, and operation of pressurized fluid systems per ASME B31, ASME B&PV Code Section VIII, AFSPCMAN 91-710, or other applicable standards
• Experience using Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD software
• Experience using CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis programs
• Experience using python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
• Familiarity with Fluids fittings and specifications (AN/AS)
• Familiarity with instrumentation selection in severe service
• Experience operating and troubleshooting control systems required for remote operations
• Excellent written and oral communication, especially translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Ability to work with and lead technicians during fabrication and commissioning of systems
• Familiarity with Root-Cause Analysis and Risk Mitigation process
• Adaptability to change in direction of projects

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 - 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:    Fluids Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    Fluids 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.