Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Integration (Starshield)

United States Digital Space LLC; Vandenberg Air Force Base Launch Facility 02 (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Three weeks of paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is looking for a Launch Engineer to support the Starshield satellite program at Vandenberg AFB. The role involves significant project management, satellite integration, and engineering collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least one year of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. Competitive compensation and benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with multi-disciplinary system assemblies related to aerospace, automotive, or marine.

Responsibilities

• Support satellite engineering teams with launch-site and upstream engineering.
• Drive project initiatives for Starshield Program.
• Design, develop, and execute processes for satellite integration.

Skills

Multidisciplinary system assemblies

Team collaboration

Data acquisition setups

Test automation using Python

SQL and data reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Python

PowerBI

SQL

Grafana

Job description

LAUNCH ENGINEER, SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION (STARSHIELD)

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

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 the company 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 the company. 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 U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or 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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].