Senior Launch Automation Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-paced aerospace startup in the Bay Area seeks a Senior Launch Automation Engineer to develop systems for orbital rocket launches. You will own algorithms and software for propellant loading and monitor live countdowns in a collaborative team environment. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in modeling physical systems, strong MATLAB/Simulink experience, and are comfortable with complex systems. This dynamic role in San Francisco offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technology in a thriving industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems (fluids, thermal, or process systems).
• Strong MATLAB/Simulink experience and physical system modeling skills.
• Background in chemical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and fluid systems used in launch operations.
• Build and own launch automation software for propellant loading, pressurization, countdown, and liftoff.
• Create and validate models using MATLAB/Simulink, including SIL/HIL environments.
• Support live countdowns, monitor systems, and respond to anomalies in real time.

Skills

Modeling physical systems

MATLAB/Simulink experience

End-to-end ownership of systems

Collaboration with engineering teams

Education

Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Senior Launch Automation Engineer

Darwin has partnered with a fast-paced startup in the Bay Area to find a Senior Launch Automation Engineer who will own the algorithms and software that automatically load, fuel, and launch orbital rockets.

What you’ll do

• Develop real-time simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and fluid systems used in launch operations

• Build and own launch automation software for propellant loading, pressurization, countdown, and liftoff

• Create and validate models using MATLAB/Simulink, including SIL/HIL environments

• Partner closely with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams to define and execute launch operations

• Support live countdowns, monitor systems, and respond to anomalies in real time

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems (fluids, thermal, or process systems)

• Strong MATLAB/Simulink and physical system modeling experience

• Background in chemical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, or similar

• Comfortable owning complex systems end-to-end in a small, fast-moving team

Ideal backgrounds

• Chemical or process engineers with heavy software and simulation experience

• Controls engineers with strong physical system modeling skills

• Propulsion or test engineers who’ve modeled fluid systems

• Aerospace engineers with a fluids/thermal focus

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Kimberley Govender