Chemical Engineer

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Vandenberg Air Force Base Launch Facility 02 (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental

401(k)

Paid parental leave

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a CHEMICAL ENGINEER to join the Launch Pad Engineering Team in Vandenberg. You will apply multidisciplinary knowledge to develop solutions for launch pad design, build, and operations, ensuring GSE is designed, built, configured, and tested for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interfaces.

You will lead technicians on the pads to ensure accurate installation and activation of pad fluid systems, and present certification data to NASA and US Space Force as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 1+ years of experience with fluid, mechanical, or low-voltage electrical systems.
• Experience at rocket launch/test facility is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the responsible engineer for launch pad fluid systems.
• Apply heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics knowledge to troubleshoot issues.
• Direct technicians to design, build, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and operate fluid systems.
• Contribute to automation improvements related to the fluid system(s).
• Identify and implement upgrades to launch pad hardware, software, and procedures.
• Lead the pad during design, construction, and activation.
• Present certification packages and engineering data to NASA and US Space Force.

Skills

Fluid systems experience

Python programming

Strong communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in physics

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Siemens NX

Job description

Overview

SpaceX is seeking a CHEMICAL ENGINEER to join the Launch Pad Engineering Team in Vandenberg. You will apply multidisciplinary knowledge to develop solutions for launch pad design, build, and operations, maximizing efficiency while maintaining safety and reliability. You will ensure all launch pad GSE (ground support equipment) is designed, built, configured, and tested to support Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interfaces. During build operations, you will lead a team of technicians on the pads to ensure accurate and timely installation and activation of pad fluid systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the responsible engineer for one or multiple launch pad fluid systems including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems
• Apply knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, controls, and instrumentation to troubleshoot issues in launch pad systems
• Direct a skilled technician workforce to design, build, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and operate fluid systems
• Contribute to the development and improvement of functional automation related to the responsible fluid system(s)
• Identify and implement upgrades to launch pad hardware, software, and procedures, driving continuous improvement through cross-team collaboration
• Serve as lead engineer for the pad during design, construction, and activation
• Present certification packages and engineering data to U.S. government agencies including NASA and US Space Force

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience with fluid, mechanical, or low voltage electrical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns
• Experience with control systems for remote operations and instrumentation feedback
• Experience using SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or similar CAD software
• Experience using Python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
• Experience testing and operating with hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases & fluids)
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatic valves)
• Knowledge of engineering standards such as ASME B31.3, ASME BPV Code Section VIII
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills, and ability to work effectively in a team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral
• Physical ability to stand, lift and carry moderately heavy materials or equipment (15–35 lbs)
• Ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment; may require extended hours
• Shift flexibility and occasional travel

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000.00 – $117,500.00; Level 2: $115,000.00 – $140,000.00. Your level and base salary are determined case-by-case based on knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is part of a total rewards package including potential long-term incentives, bonuses, and stock purchase plan. Includes comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation, holidays, and paid sick leave per company policy.

Other required information to conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR) is noted in the application materials as applicable.

EEO STATEMENT

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is governed by merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation may contact [e-mail].