Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Falcon)

SpaceX; Vandenberg SFB (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Sick time

401(k)

Stock options

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Falcon) in Vandenberg to design, build, and activate ground systems for Falcon 9 vehicle processing and integration.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and 1+ years of hands-on hardware experience, with hands-on skills in CAD/FEA, NX/Teamcenter, and fluid systems. You will lead design reviews and work closely with technicians and suppliers on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline required.
• 1+ years of hands-on hardware fabrication, assembly, or testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and activate equipment to support vehicle processing and launch.
• Support interface tooling for structural and fluid connections from dockside to launch.
• Support refurbishment of umbilicals and ground system components.
• Perform hand calculations, FEA, and CAD to ensure hardware meets requirements.
• Lead design reviews and activation testing.
• Serve as a technical interface to customers and suppliers.
• Assist in field build/test and operations with technicians.
• Collaborate with engineers on non-flight hardware (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic).
• Provide ongoing engineering/production support to maintain 99%+ uptime.

Skills

NX/Teamcenter

CAD/FEA software

FEM packages

Python/MATLAB/Excel

Fluid systems design

Hardware integration

Documentation & reviews

Communication skills

Autonomous work style

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

CAD

FEA software (NASTRAN/ABAQUS/ANSYS)

Job description

Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Falcon)

life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan, stock options

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 ofenabling 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:
• 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
• 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 & BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Launch Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Launch Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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.

• 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 Aff... should reach out [e-mail].

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