Recovery Engineer (Starship Range Ops)

Starlink; Texas; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Recovery Operations Engineer to focus on range management and mission readiness for vehicle recovery, including offshore operations and safety compliance. You will develop standard operating procedures, build regulatory partnerships with agencies, and own recovery processes for Starship/Boosters while driving efficiency through new test plans and AI-driven tooling.

The role involves leading teams, coordinating with FAA/USCG, and ensuring safe, compliant operations across

Qualifications

• Assure understanding of technical drawings, data reports, schematics, and specifications.
• Strong autonomy and self-drive in challenging timelines.
• Experience with hazardous systems and offshore environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering duties for Starship Range and Recovery efforts.
• Lead engineers and technicians in offshore recovery operations.
• Troubleshoot, upgrade, and maintain mechanical/electrical hardware across marine and land assets.
• Provide on-console engineering support during launches and major tests.

Skills

Recovery operations

Offshore operations

Troubleshooting

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Mechanical/electrical hardware

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, naval, marine, electrical, operations, or systems engineering

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.

As a Recovery Operations Engineer, you will focus on range management and mission readiness for vehicle recovery. In this role, you will develop new standard operating procedures for vehicle recovery and processing, build partnerships with airspace and maritime regulatory agencies to ensure clear communication, write test plans and procedures to improve recovery efficiency for future missions, and take full ownership to recover Super Heavy boosters and Starships safely and successfully.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform engineering duties for SpaceX’s Starship Range and Recovery efforts
• Lead a team of engineers and technicians performing offshore Starship Recovery operations
• Perform troubleshooting, upgrades, and system maintenance on hardware deployed on terrestrial, maritime, meteorological, and air assets, including mechanical, electrical, or control systems
• Provide on-console engineering support during launch and major ground test and launch operations
• Identify areas of operational improvement, and work with design teams to develop and implement innovative new solutions to the range and recovery efforts
• Develop work instructions to support ongoing operations, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and vendor contracts
• Provide critical program information and interface with external parties/programs (FAA, USCG, etc.) to ensure compliance and alignment with the Starship program goals
• 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
• Use AI tools to develop and deploy program and process efficiencies for the team
• Serve as a recovery and range controller for launch and re-entry operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, naval, marine, electrical, operations, or systems engineering
• 1+ years of experience building, maintaining, and modifying mechanical or electrical hardware

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications
• High levels of personal autonomy and self-driven motivation
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous requirements and aggressive timelines
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical/electrical systems and associated control hardware
• Experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining large, complex mechanical or electrical systems
• Testing experience including setting test objectives, writing test plans, and executing hands‑on testing
• 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)
• Demonstrated experience of effective root cause and failure analysis
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications
• Experience working and building hardware in an offshore and/or marine environment
• Experience interfacing with government and regulatory bodies
• Experience in drafting and reviewing legal agreements and processes
• Experience operating and troubleshooting remote‑operated ground control systems
• Experience with critical operations where real‑time decision‑making affected success criteria
• Experience with launch, aviation, or maritime operational environment
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high‑pressure environment
• Self‑motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
• Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to support offshore operations and willing to work offshore for extended duration without access to emergency services normally available on shore
• Ability to climb ladders, work at height, and work in tight/confined spaces
• Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Willing to work with hazardous materials
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, climbing hand over hand, and lifting 25 lbs.
• Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
• Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Must be willing to travelAbility to operate heavy machinery
• Ability to pass offshore physical fitness testing if required
• Position is subject to pre‑employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

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].