Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Starshield)

Spacex; Vandenberg Air Force Base Launch Facility 02 (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 117,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Launch Engineer, focusing on spacecraft integration for its Starshield satellites at Vandenberg Air Force Base. This position involves supporting engineering teams, improving satellite integration processes, and managing mission work instructions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least one year of related experience, with a preference for hands-on experience in high-tech environments. Comprehensive benefits, including medical and retirement plans, are offered.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with multi-disciplinary system assemblies.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• Experience in writing test plans and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support Starshield satellite engineering teams.
• Drive major project initiatives for the Starshield Program.
• Manage and track multiple priorities.

Skills

Launch vehicle or spacecraft integration

Test operations with high pressure pneumatics

Hands-on experience with cryogenic fluid systems

Strong written and oral communication skills

Experience with SQL and Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

Master's degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

Data acquisition setups

Python

SQL

PowerBI

Grafana

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, SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION (STARSHIELD)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Starshield satellite engineering teams to provide strong launch-site and upstream engineering support of Starshield satellite design, checkouts, integration, launch, and post-launch campaign follow-ups
• Drive major project initiatives for Starshield Program at the launch site, including Satellite Integration Process Improvements, GSE Asset Management Improvements, Satellite Fueling Improvements, Satellite Checkouts Improvements
• Actively participate in design reviews for responsible areas of oversight and project tasking
• Actively manage mission work instructions and planning for tasked ownership, including supporting work on issue tickets, change tickets, risk tickets, required redlines, or otherwise mission-critical preparedness items to be implemented
• Design, develop, own, and execute hardware, software, processes and procedures for the integration and checkout of Starshield satellites, and related ground support equipment part design, activation, evolution, and maintenance
• Complete vehicle-powered operational checkouts that interact with multiple EGSE/GSE systems, and actuate high pressure to safety-critical systems
• Closely collaborate with Starshield engineering staff, launch site engineering staff, and highly skilled technicians and quality inspectors daily
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on common project goals
• Manage the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements reflected in work instructions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with multi-disciplinary system assemblies (past work experience, internships, team/personal projects with aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; operations in 100,000 class or better clean rooms; test operations with high pressure pneumatics, hydraulics, and cryogenic fluid systems; data acquisition setups and field measurements using instrumentation such as multimeters, oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers
• Ability and willingness to follow and enforce practices relating to security clearances and control of confidential or proprietary information
• Strong written and oral communication skills, a meticulous attention to detail, an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, adherence to corporate policies and standards, a great attitude, and the ability to work with a team
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
• Experience using python to work on test automation and analysis infrastructure
• Experience with SQL, Confluence, PowerBI, Grafana and able to design and generate useful and appropriate reports and metrics
• Experience using python, excel, and other engineering tools to create one-off engineering analyses
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start‑up atmosphere
• Ability to work well with a wide range of people across multiple organizations, including mission management, customers, and vendors
• Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to pass background checks for Vandenberg Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 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)
• Occasional travel will be required
• Schedules vary due to site operational needs, and night/weekend shift rotations are often necessary - flexibility is required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
• Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 Affia should reach out to [e-mail].