Lead Launch Pad Fluid Systems Engineer

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Vandenberg SFB (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Pad Engineer to join the Launch Pad Engineering Team in Vandenberg. You will lead the design, build, and operation of fluid systems for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interfaces.

You will coordinate a technician team on pad fluid systems, apply thermodynamics and control theory, and ensure safety and reliability in a high‑stakes, fast‑paced environment. Proactive collaboration with SpaceX teams and agencies is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 1+ years of experience with fluid, mechanical, or low voltage electrical systems.
• Experience at a rocket launch facility or in launch/test campaigns is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the responsible engineer for one or multiple launch pad fluid systems including compressible, incompressible, or cryogenic fluid systems.
• Utilize heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, controls, and instrumentation to troubleshoot issues in launch pad systems.
• Direct a technician workforce to carry out design, build, troubleshooting, maintenance activities, upgrades, and operational procedures.
• Contribute to development and improvement of functional automation related to the fluid systems you oversee.
• Identify and implement upgrades to launch pad hardware, software, and procedures to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead the pad during design, construction, and activation and present certification packages to agencies as required.

Skills

Fluid systems

Thermodynamics

Controls & instrumentation

Python

SOLIDWORKS

Siemens NX

Data analysis

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Aerospace/chemical engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Siemens NX

Python

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Pad Engineer to join the Launch Pad Engineering Team in Vandenberg. You will lead the design, build, and operation of fluid systems for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interfaces.

You will coordinate a technician team on pad fluid systems, apply thermodynamics and control theory, and ensure safety and reliability in a high‑stakes, fast‑paced environment. Proactive collaboration with SpaceX teams and agencies is required.