Launch Engineer, Control & Flight Operations (Falcon Launch Ops)

Starlink; Vandenberg Village (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision & Dental

401(k) plan

Disability & Life Insurance

Paid parental leave

Vacation & Holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Vandenberg Village, CA seeks an on-console Launch Engineer to support Falcon launch operations across SLC-4E, SLC-40, and L-39A. You will develop and maintain SpaceX Ground Software automation, train to qualify as copilot and pilot controller for day-of-launch activities, and work with field technicians to resolve real-time issues under time pressure.

The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering or related field and hands-on experience with fluid, pressurized, or electrical systems,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required.
• Experience with fluid, pressurized, or electrical systems.
• Prefer experience with rocket launch facilities and ground software.

Responsibilities

• Operate on-console during launch operations and pad preparations.
• Develop and maintain automation using SpaceX Ground Software for launches.
• Collaborate with field technicians to troubleshoot hardware and data issues.
• Train to qualify as copilot and pilot controller for day-of-launch activities.
• Apply multidisciplinary engineering to diagnose real-time issues under time pressure.
• Suggest improvements to automation and procedures to reduce human error.

Skills

Launch operations experience

Ground Software experience

Control systems familiarity

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

SpaceX Ground Software

GUI/Console operation

Job description

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, CONTROL & FLIGHT OPERATIONS (FALCON LAUNCH OPS)

Seeking an individual to join the Falcon launch control team in Vandenberg. You will serve as an on-console shift operator supporting launch and pad operations for all 3 Falcon launch complexes (SLC-4E, SLC-40, L-39A). You will develop and maintain the Ground Software automation that forms the backbone of these operations, continuously improving its reliability, efficiency, and robustness. You will train to qualify as a copilot and pilot controller for day-of-launch activities, applying multidisciplinary first-principles engineering to rapidly understand, communicate, and resolve issues across pad, vehicle, and automation systems in high-stakes, time-critical environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work as an on-console shift operator for all launch operations and preparations for launch operations, including refurbishment of the pad systems in preps for launch
• Develop and maintain automation (via SpaceX Ground Software) that runs as the backbone of launch operations. This automation is constantly being updated to improve reliability, efficiency, and robustness of the operation
• Work with technicians in the field via radio comms to accomplish operations and troubleshoot faulty hardware/data
• Train and acquire requisite knowledge and skills to qualify as a copilot and pilot controller to perform the day-of-launch operations
• Apply multidisciplinary, first principles engineering to understand, communicate, and resolve real-time issues for any subsystem on the pad, rocket, or automation, all in a time-critical environment such as in the hours before launch
• Identify and proactively implement improvements to either automation or procedures that enable smoother operations, robust automation that reduces manual intervention, and more reliable processes that are less prone to human error
• Support 24/7 operations by alternating between day shift and night shift

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience working with fluid, pressurized, or electrical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working on rocket launch/test facilities and/or working on rocket flight hardware
• Experience working with SpaceX Ground Software architecture
• Experience interacting with control systems via a GUI/console setup
• Experience troubleshooting and reviewing data to diagnose unhealthy/nonconforming hardware
• Familiarity with controls and instrumentation hardware (valves, transducers, regulators, RTDs, etc)
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate clearly in a time-critical environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Vandenberg
• Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as launch manifest dictates
• Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
• Comfort working in outdoor environments as required for system troubleshooting

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 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 affirm ive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].