Launch Pad Engineer, Fluid Systems

SpaceX; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Pad Engineer to join the Fluid Systems team in Cape Canaveral, FL. You will apply multi-disciplinary engineering to ensure safe, reliable launch pad fluid systems that support Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interfaces.

You will lead technicians on pad operations, troubleshoot systems, contribute to automation, and engage with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement while preparing for upcoming launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional experience working with fluid, mechanical, or low voltage electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the responsible engineer for one or multiple launch pad fluid systems including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems.
• Troubleshoot issues with heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics across launch pad systems.
• Direct a technician workforce to carry out troubleshooting, maintenance, upgrades, and procedures.
• Contribute to development and improvement of functional automation for the fluid systems.
• Identify and implement upgrades to launch pad hardware, software, and procedures and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and perform post-launch data review for the systems.
• Lead the pads during refurbishment and launch operations.
• Present certification packages and data to U.S. government agencies.

Skills

Launch pad engineering

Fluid systems

Thermodynamics

Controls/instrumentation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/ aerospace/ chemical engineering, physics, CS

Tools

CAESAR II

SOLIDWORKS

Siemens NX

Python

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 PAD ENGINEER, FLUID SYSTEMS

SpaceX is currently seeking an individual to join the Launch Pad Engineering Team in Cape Canaveral, FL. As a member of the Launch Pad Engineering team, you will have the opportunity to utilize your multi-disciplinary knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop solutions to launch pad operations with the goal of maximizing efficiency without sacrificing safety or reliability.

While preparing the pads for launch, you will be responsible for ensuring all aspects of launch pad GSE (ground support equipment) have been properly inspected, configured, and tested to support Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interface requirements. During integrated launch operations, you will be responsible for leading a team of technicians on the pads through operational procedures resulting in successful, on-time launches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as the responsible engineer for one or multiple launch pad fluid systems including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems

• Utilize knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, controls, and instrumentation to troubleshoot issues present in various launch pad systems
• Work with, and direct, a skilled technician workforce to carry out troubleshooting, maintenance activities, upgrades, and operational procedures
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the functional automation relating to the fluid system(s) for which you are responsible
• Identify and implement upgrades to launch pad hardware, software, and procedures – drive continuous improvement in these areas by interfacing regularly with various teams across SpaceX
• Develop and perform post launch data review for your respective system(s), both automated and manual
• Serve as the lead engineer for the pads during refurbishment and launch operations
• Represent SpaceX by presenting certification packages and engineering data to U.S. government agencies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience working with fluid, mechanical, or low voltage electrical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns
• Experience using and troubleshooting control systems for remote operations and instrumentation feedback
• Experience using CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis programs
• Experience using SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or similar CAD software
• Experience using python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
• Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases & fluids, etc.)
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid, pneumatic valves)
• Knowledge of engineering standards and best practices such as ASME B31.3, ASME BPV Code Section VIII, and AFSPCMAN 91-710
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Strong work ethic and drive to for constant improvement balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work weekends and night shifts as needed
• Ability to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• 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 Affi… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.