Launch Pad Operations Engineer (m/f/d)

Isar Aerospace SE; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Participation Program

6 weeks of vacation

Subsidised lunch

Relocation support

Wellness allowance

Individual learning allowance

Well-being resources

And Much More!

Job summary

Isar Aerospace SE is seeking a Launch Pad Operations Engineer to join our team for test and launch campaigns of the Spectrum vehicle from Andøya, Norway, collaborating with our Germany-based headquarters. You will contribute to infrastructure maintenance, procedure creation, and compliance with safety standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, operating under high-stress conditions, and working closely with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure reliable access to space, as we advance

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering or similar.
• Hands-on development or testing experience with complex systems.
• Experience with data acquisition and evaluation (Python or Matlab).
• Understanding of fluid and mechanical systems design process from concept to commissioning.
• Multidisciplinary troubleshooting experience.
• Ability to perform in high-stress environments and adapt to a dynamic setting.
• Highly organized, team-oriented with attention to detail.
• Must be able to operate in confined spaces and lift 25 kg.

Responsibilities

• Launch Campaigns: oversee prep, pad readiness, and operation of ground/vehicle systems.
• Stage Testing: prepare and conduct test campaigns for Spectrum vehicle.
• Process Improvement: develop and improve procedures for safe, smooth operations.
• Maintain high quality standards while handling flight hardware and interfaces with the launch vehicle.

Skills

Hands-on testing

Python experience

Cryogenic environments

Team player, detail-oriented

English fluency

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical Eng degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Mission Brief

As a Launch Pad Operations Engineer, you will join our team on the beautiful arctic island of Andøya to perform test and launch campaigns of our Spectrum launch vehicle. For these campaigns, you and the local crew will closely work together with a dynamic team of design engineers and technicians from our headquarters in Germany.

Besides the test and launch campaigns you will be carrying out improvement and maintenance activities for our launch infrastructure, as well as preparatory work like creating procedures and processes to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operations.

You will play a crucial role in creating reliable access to space from mainland Europe.

Your Role in Our Space Mission:

• Launch Campaigns: Play a key role in launching our Spectrum vehicle from preparatory work, over ensuring pad readiness, to operating the ground and vehicle systems from the launch operations center
• Stage Testing: Prepare and conduct stage test campaigns in preparation of launching our Spectrum vehicle
• Process Improvement: Develop and improve procedures and processes to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operations
• High Quality Standards:Maintaining high quality standards while handling flight hardware and working on systems interfacing with the launch vehicle

Qualification Checklist

• Relevant engineering qualification or engineering bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field of aerospace, mechanical engineering or similar
• Hands-on experience in development or testing or complex systems, preferably involving extreme operating conditions and special requirements such as cryogenic temperatures, high pressures, high temperatures or hazardous materials (flammable or explosive)
• Experience in test data acquisition, reduction and evaluation (preferably involving Python or Matlab)
• Understanding of the design process of fluid and mechanical systems from theoretical concept to realization and commissioning
• Experience with multidisciplinary troubleshooting
• Ability to perform in high-stress environments, maintaining focus for long durations
• Highly organised, effective team player with high attention to detail
• Able to adjust self-sufficiently and quickly to a highly dynamic work environment
• Physical dexterity is required as working in confined spaces is necessary (including the ability to lift 25kg without assistance)
• Fluency in English (Norwegian and German can be helpful)

Bonus Skills

• Hands-on experience with fluid systems and piping/tubing
• Knowledge rocket propulsion systems and/or structures

Benefits

• Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program
• 6 weeks of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge
• Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day
• Relocation support: Benefit from our relocation bonus with deductible expenses up to an agreed amount
• Wellness allowance: Stay healthy and fit with our yearly allowance for wellness activities (e.g., Gym, Massages)
• Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period
• Physical and mental well-being: Access via OpenUp the online support from certified psychologists and lifestyle experts at no cost to you and your family
• And Much More! Discover additional perks and benefits when you join our team.

Who we are

We are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space.

Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations.

We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation.

We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career!

Want to find out more about us?

Visit www.isaraerospace.com

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Disclaimer

Isar Aerospace SE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.