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, 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
• 1+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical and/or fluid systems in the design, manufacturing, or implementation phases (class projects and/or internship experience count)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree in one of the following engineering disciplines: mechatronics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering
• 3+ 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/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per yearLaunch 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.