Launch Operations Engineer & Flight Controller

SpaceX; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Launch Operations Engineer (Starship) to lead on-console flight control during launch events at Starbase, TX. You will test hardware, support technicians, and contribute to safe, high‑reliability launch operations while developing test plans and procedures.

You will review data in real time, optimize launch procedures, and collaborate across design, production, and ground systems to resolve issues and improve performance. Strong engineering background required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (ME, CHE, AE, or equivalent).
• 1+ years of hands-on build/design experience.
• Ability to work under aggressive timelines with autonomy.
• Strong teamwork and communication in cross-functional settings.
• Experience with Python, R, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for data analysis.
• Proven root-cause and failure analysis capabilities.
• Experience writing high‑risk procedures and work instructions.
• Ability to read drawings, schematics and data reports.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-console flight controllers during launch events.
• Test integrated rocket hardware to determine suitability for flight.
• Provide on-console engineering support for technicians during daily test/launch stand operations.
• Write and review control logic/automation for test & launch systems.
• Perform real-time and post-op data review to evaluate performance and document results.
• Find innovative ways to optimize test and launch processes to increase capability.
• Identify hazards and collaborate with teams on improvements for flight hardware.
• Serve as final authority to ensure safe operations.
• Perform other related duties to ensure efficient operations.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Autonomy

Teamwork

Data analysis tools

Root cause analysis

Procedures writing

Technical drawings

Ambiguous timelines

Education

Mechanical engineering

Chemical engineering

Aerospace engineering

Other engineering

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

NI LabVIEW

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Launch Operations Engineer (Starship) to lead on-console flight control during launch events at Starbase, TX. You will test hardware, support technicians, and contribute to safe, high‑reliability launch operations while developing test plans and procedures.

You will review data in real time, optimize launch procedures, and collaborate across design, production, and ground systems to resolve issues and improve performance. Strong engineering background required.