SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Launch Engineer, Dragon

Cape Canaveral, FLInternshipEntry-level (exp-based)Posted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Dragon Spacecraft
Crew Dragon
Cargo Dragon
GSE
Space Force background check
hypergolic propellants
MMH
NTO
hazardous materials

Nice to have

human spaceflight
vehicle reusability
high-pressure fluid systems
avionics
mechanisms
test plans

Role summary

SpaceX is hiring a Launch Engineer for the Dragon Integration team to support human spaceflight operations and vehicle reusability. This role involves developing and executing procedures for Dragon spacecraft integration, testing, and operations, ensuring readiness for crew and cargo missions. Responsibilities include managing flight hardware processing, resolving issues, implementing improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. A Bachelor's degree in engineering and 1+ years of relevant experience are required, with preferred experience in manufacturing, high-pressure fluid systems, avionics, structures, and CAD design.

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, DRAGON

SpaceX is seeking exceptional candidates for a Launch Engineer position on the Dragon Integration team. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise, hands-on experience, and creative problem-solving to develop solutions that advance human spaceflight operations and vehicle reusability. You will play a critical part in the maintenance, testing, and readiness of Dragon Spacecraft designed to safely transport crew and cargo to and from Low Earth Orbit. We are looking for engineers with deep expertise in Structures, Fluids, or Test backgrounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, execute, and continuously improve procedures for the integration, testing, and operation of Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware and associated ground support equipment (GSE)

Lead day-to-day execution of mission-specific launch site and vehicle processing activities, ensuring safe and efficient readiness for flight

Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and define work scope for capsule maintenance and processing campaigns

Manage work orders, drive non-conformances to resolution, and implement system improvements while maintaining accurate integrated planning documents across various vehicle configurations

Investigate and resolve vehicle, GSE, and test equipment failures by dispositioning issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective and preventive actions

Design and develop hardware and software tools that enable and optimize vehicle processing and test operations

Collaborate daily with cross-functional engineering teams and skilled technicians

Clearly communicate vehicle status and priorities to a broad audience during readiness reviews and daily updates

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline

1+ years of experience in hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, structural assembly, test operations, or related operations (internship and project experience accepted)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

3+ years of industry experience in automotive, aviation, or spacecraft manufacturing working with large integrated assemblies

Hands-on experience with high-pressure fluid systems, avionics, structures, and mechanisms

Experience writing test plans/procedures and executing integrated system tests

Proficiency reading fluid and electrical schematics to analyze and improve test coverage, with the ability to verify designs using simplified hand calculations (FEA or CFD a plus)

Mechanical component and tooling design experience using 3D CAD (intermediate proficiency; NX preferred), including producing fabrication drawings and applying DFMA principles

Ability to apply first-principles reasoning to engineering problems, question requirements, and delete parts or process steps

Hands-on fabrication skills including machining (mill/lathe), welding, and 3D printing

Experience using AI coding tools to accelerate scripting, automation, and software development

Acute attention to detail with the ability to identify cross-system interactions and prevent issues, paired with strong problem-solving and decision-making under tight deadlines and high-stress conditions

Collaborative team player who communicates clearly across diverse groups, works effectively both independently and in teams, and balances cost, schedule, and technical performance

Positive, adaptable attitude with the ability to rapidly shift priorities, maintain high urgency in a fast-paced environment, and support efficient operations as needed

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to obtain and maintain a Space Force background check for work at Cape Canaveral, Florida

Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for extended periods and lifting/carrying materials or equipment weighing 15–35 lbs

Willingness to be trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and to handle hazardous materials

Ability to maintain high concentration and perform effectively in a high-stress environment that may involve prolonged focus and extended work hours

Willingness to work outdoors as required

Travel may be required to provide support to critical Starship or AI related projects within the company

Flexibility to support typical 60-hour work weeks and varying schedules based on operational needs

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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