Senior Launch Automation Engineer
Role summary
This Senior Launch Automation Engineer role is responsible for the automated systems that support orbital vehicle launches, including fueling, pressurization, and liftoff. The engineer will model fluid systems, design control logic for launch sequences, and build simulations for validation. Key responsibilities include developing high-fidelity simulations, designing automation algorithms, building test pipelines, collaborating with cross-functional teams, supporting live launch operations, and analyzing flight data. This is a high-ownership role for engineers focused on building and deploying critical launch automation subsystems.
This role owns the automated systems that fuel, pressurize, and launch orbital vehicles. You will model cryogenic and pneumatic fluid systems, design the control logic that executes countdown and liftoff, and build high-fidelity simulations that validate launch operations before they touch hardware. This is a high-ownership engineering role for builders who want their work to run live on launch day.
What You Will Do:
Model
- Develop high-fidelity simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
- Model propellant loading, tank pressurization, and two-phase flow behavior
Automate
- Design automation algorithms and control sequences for launch operations
- Own logic that executes propellant conditioning, terminal count, and liftoff
Test
- Build automated test pipelines across simulation, HIL, and CI/CD environments
- Validate system behavior prior to hardware execution
Partner
- Define interfaces and requirements with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams
- Influence architecture decisions for future launch systems
Launch
- Support live countdown operations from mission control
- Monitor fluid systems and respond to anomalies in real time
Analyze
- Evaluate ground test and flight data
- Improve model fidelity and performance margins through iteration
Own
- Take full ownership of major launch automation subsystems from design through flight
Comp Range: $130,000 - $160,000 base
Required
- 5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems
- Advanced degree in chemical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, physics, or equivalent
- Strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink
- Working knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and process control theory
- Comfort with mass and energy balances, two-phase flow, and control loop design
- Strong communication skills with ability to mentor and give technical feedback
- Experience operating in fast-paced, iterative engineering environments
Preferred
- Hands-on experience modeling cryogenic and fluidic systems
- Background in chemical engineering, process engineering, or propulsion systems
- Experience with launch vehicle ground support equipment or propulsion test stands
- Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop and real-time system integration
- Experience validating systems using SIL, HIL, unit testing, and Monte Carlo simulation
- Exposure to hazardous fluid systems, high-pressure gas, or propellant operations
Regulatory & Eligibility Requirements
- Role subject to ITAR and EAR export control regulations
- Employment contingent upon eligibility to access controlled technologies and government contracts