SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Falcon)

Vandenberg, CAFull TimeEntry-level (exp-based)$100,000–$130,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Falcon 9
vehicle processing
spacecraft integration
umbilical refurb
launch site
payload operations
vehicle interface tooling
structural connections
fluid connections
flight inspection

Nice to have

NX/Teamcenter
CAD software packages
FEA software packages
commercial FEA
multiphysics simulation package
NASTRAN

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Engineer for the Falcon Integration team in Vandenberg to design, build, and activate ground support equipment for Falcon 9 vehicle processing and launch operations. This role involves hands-on work with structural, tooling, fluid, and transport systems, utilizing CAD and FEA for design and analysis. The engineer will lead design reviews, serve as a technical interface, and collaborate with technicians on mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to ensure high uptime for flight hardware integration. A Bachelor's degree in engineering and 1+ years of hardware experience are required, with preferred experience in NX/Teamcenter, FEA/CAD software, fluid systems, and analytical programming.

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, GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (FALCON)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a ground system engineering position on the Falcon Integration team in Vandenberg. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to rapidly design, build, and activate fluid and mechanical systems required to support all aspects of SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle processing, spacecraft integration, and umbilical refurb.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, build, and activate equipment to support all aspects of launch site vehicle processing and launch, including structural, tooling/fixtures, fluids, and transport equipment

This team supports Stage 1, Stage 2, Fairing, launch site payload operations, from Dockside to Launch, with a focus on vehicle interface tooling for structural and fluid connections

This team also supports every flight inspection, refurbishment operations for all the umbilicals for pad operations

Use hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided designs (CAD) to ensure all hardware meets or exceeds internal and customer requirements

Lead design reviews and activation testing

Serve as a technical interface to customers and suppliers

Monitor and participate in ground system build and test, hands-on in the field, alongside skilled technician teams

Collaborate with engineers and technicians when performing critical operations on non-flight hardware including mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems

Perform continuing engineering and production support of ground support equipment to support a 99%+ uptime to support flight hardware integration activities

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience with NX/Teamcenter designing parts and assemblies

Experience with CAD and FEA software packages (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)

Experience with at least one commercial FEA or multiphysics simulation package (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, CFD codes, etc.)

Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.)

Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, MATLAB, Excel, etc.)

Hands-on experience working with, troubleshooting, and/or designing complex fluid systems that involve pressure vessels, filters, pressure relief valves, manual valves, regulators, and gauges.

Demonstrated expertise in the design, build, and operation of systems per any of the following:

Fluids -ASME B31.3, ASME B&PV Code Section VIII

Mechanical: AFSPCMAN 91-710, ASME B30, ASME BTH-1, NASA-STD-5005

Excellent written and oral communication, especially translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences

General hands-on mechanical experience: welding, automotive, robotics, rocketry, etc.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

Unfazed by change in strategic direction

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA

Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 30 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: Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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