Launch Operations Engineer (Starship)

Latent AI; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer is looking for a Launch Operations Engineer to support flight campaigns and test rocket hardware. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s in engineering and have experience with mechanical systems. This role requires hands-on work during launches and flexibility for varied hours. Join a team committed to advancing space technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on engineering experience.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-console flight controller during launches.
• Test integrated rocket hardware for flight suitability.
• Write and review control logic for testing and launch systems.

Skills

Hands-on experience with mechanical systems

Ability to work under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills (Python, MATLAB)

Experience with complex systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

NI LabVIEW

Job description

Overview

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.

Position

LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

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 operations 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 of 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

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

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 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].