Launch Pad Engineer, Fluid Systems

Starlink; Florida; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Cape Canaveral, FL is seeking a Launch Pad Engineer to join the Fluid Systems team. You will oversee one or more launch pad fluid systems including cryogenic and pressurized lines, ensuring safety and reliability during all launch operations.

The role requires hands-on engineering, collaboration with technicians, and interface with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot, upgrade, and automate system performance for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy programs.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead one or more launch pad fluid systems engineering efforts across cryogenic and other fluid systems.
• Troubleshoot issues using heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Direct technicians to perform troubleshooting, maintenance, upgrades, and operations.
• Develop automation improvements for fluid system operations.
• Coordinate upgrades to hardware, software, and procedures across teams.
• Review post-launch data for your systems, both automated and manual.
• Serve as lead engineer on pads during refurbishment and launches.
• Present certification data to U.S. government agencies.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Controls

Instrumentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, computer science, or related engineering discipline

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

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… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].