Launch Operations Engineer (Starship)

InvestedintheMission; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Operations Engineer to serve as on-console flight controller during launch events and to lead testing of hardware for flight readiness. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and rapid iteration in a high‑cadence environment.

Candidates should bring hands-on engineering experience, strong data analysis skills (Python/MATLAB), and the ability to work extended hours and travel to launch sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• Hands-on build/design experience (internship, club, competition) counts.
• Ability to work in ambiguous requirements and tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-console flight controllers during launch events.
• Test integrated rocket hardware to determine flight suitability.
• Provide on-console engineering support for technicians during test/launch operations.
• Write and review control logic/automation for test and launch systems.
• Perform real-time and post-op data review to evaluate performance and document results.
• Identify and implement improvements to test and launch processes to increase capability and rate.
• Collaborate with design, production, and ground system engineers to resolve issues.
• Ensure all operations are conducted safely and efficiently.

Skills

Python

Analytical data review

Team collaboration

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

R

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 OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

At SpaceX, our commitment to reliability begins with design but is realized through exhaustive testing and high future launch cadence. To thoroughly vet hardware and ensure vehicle quality, the launch operations team pushes our hardware to its limits under as close-to-flight conditions as possible, then sends it to orbit! Launch operations engineers are ultimately responsible for the entire operational process. They develop test requirements, develop launch plans, integrate the on-pad flight/test articles, perform on-console operation of the entire launch system, conduct tests, analyze data to confirm performance and inform the vehicle and ground design/production processes, and serve as the primary flight controllers for launch events.

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 the performance of launch/test article and stand systems (software, fluid, structural, thermal, electrical). This includes documenting operational results and recommending areas for upgrades and improvement
• Find innovative ways to create, review, and optimize test & launch processes/procedures to increase launch system capability and rate
• Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards; then work to resolve these by collaborating with design, production, and ground system engineers on improvements for flight hardware and processes
• Serve as the final authority to ensure all operations are conducted in a safe manner
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with complex and/or low-margin mechanical, structural, fluid, and electronic systems
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous requirements and aggressive timelines
• High levels of personal autonomy and self-driven motivation
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
• Demonstrated history of working efficiently with hazardous systems (high pressure, high voltage, cryogenic, toxic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric)
• High level of familiarity with complex system control and instrumentation
• Experience with analytical data review tools and numerical methods to solve real-world problems (Python, R, MATLAB, NI LabVIEW)
• Demonstrated experience in effective root cause and failure analysis
• Experience writing and optimizing high-risk technical procedures and work instructions
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Must be able to work extended hours, weekends, and night shifts as needed
• Must be able to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches - up to 15%
• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

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 Aff… [e-mail].