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.

SR. LAUNCH ENGINEER, SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION (DRAGON)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a position on the Spacecraft Integration Dragon team. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions in Spacecraft reusability. You will work on post-flight vehicles, testing and refurbishing next generation Dragon spacecraft, designed to take crew and cargo to low earth orbit. You will have ownership of your work in all phases. At times you will support pre-flight operations including directly interfacing with astronauts during training and launch operations. The role will also require significant interface with the design engineers, providing the opportunity to continuously improve the Capsule design and ground processing as the team works to establish aircraft like operations on Dragon.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and work scope definition for capsule refurbishment campaigns, including evaluation of change, risk and previous as built conditions
• Maintain detailed integration schedules for flight hardware processing as well as ground support equipment and facility project development
• Manage requirements incorporation and procedures for multiple capsule configurations
• Develop and execute procedures for the refurbishment and test of crew/cargo Dragon flight hardware
• Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly, system test requirements and procedures based on lessons learned from both flight and ground operations
• Design high-level vehicle maintenance architecture including build flow and test operations for maximum efficiency
• Maintain large integrated planning documents that are inclusive of varying capsule configurations and work scope
• Design and develop hardware and software tools to enable and optimize vehicle processing
• Work with applications software to develop automated solutions to post flight processing ERP challenges
• Develop training documents for capsule processing and hazardous operations
• Help develop, build and maintain Dragon processing facilities to support the increasing fleet size
• Closely collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
• Work with a government or commercial customer on pre- and post- flight preparations for human spaceflight
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
• Seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team along with the larger SpaceX workforce

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience with multi-disciplinary system assemblies

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Experience working with hypergolic propellants
• Experience working with high pressure and electrical systems
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
• Experience interacting with CAD software and large CAD models
• Proficiency in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following:
  • Launch vehicle or spacecraft integration
  • Operations in 100,000 class or better clean rooms
  • Test operations with gases/fluids
  • Data acquisition setup and field measurements
• Acute attention to detail
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
• A positive, upbeat attitude
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
• Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 lbs.)
• Comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and willing to work with hazardous materials
• Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
• Occasional travel may be required
• Willingness to work outdoors
• Willingness to work at elevated heights and/or tight spaces
• 50 hour work weeks are typical, schedule varies depending on site operational needs, flexibility 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.

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.