Launch Engineer, Dragon

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Launch Engineer for the Dragon Integration team. You will apply technical expertise to develop solutions advancing human spaceflight operations and vehicle reusability, maintaining Dragon spacecraft and ground support equipment for crew and cargo transport to LEO.

The role emphasizes hands-on design, testing, and collaboration with engineering teams; strong background in structures, fluids, or test backgrounds is preferred, with readiness for high-urgency work at launch sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, or related operations (internship accepted).

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and improve procedures for integration, testing, and operation of Dragon flight hardware and GSE.
• Lead day-to-day execution of launch site and vehicle processing activities for flight readiness.
• 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.
• Investigate and resolve vehicle, GSE, and test equipment failures; implement corrective actions.
• Design and develop hardware and software tools to enable processing and testing operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate status during reviews and updates.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Aerospace engineering

Electrical engineering

3D CAD NX

DFMA

FEA

CFD

Machining

Autonomous problem solving

Hands-on hardware

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

NX CAD

3D printing

GSE tooling

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, 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
• 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 [e-mail].