Ground Systems Engineer, Asset Engineering

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

1d•$105,000 - $170,000

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring a Ground Systems Engineer for Asset Engineering to support the production, acceptance, and qualification testing of Starship propulsion systems. The role focuses on designing, building, integrating, and sustaining system-level cryogenic and high-pressure infrastructure across programs. These systems require careful capacity analysis and operational design to support high-energy, high-volume test campaigns with minimal interruption. The engineer is responsible for fluid ground systems and works across disciplines and with technicians, engineers, managers, and production teams. The work includes developing systems from requirements definition through obsolescence, providing day-to-day operational support, and recommending improvements to system design and manufacturing processes. The role requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or aerospace engineering and experience with fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, or process engineering. Relevant preferred experience includes hands-on cryogenic systems work, fluid-system design and operation, controls and instrumentation, hazardous systems, PLC programming, and 3D CAD. Some work areas require physical fitness and dexterity in tight quarters, including lifting objects over 25 pounds. The schedule varies with site operational needs, so flexibility is required. Applicants must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or aerospace engineering.
Experience with fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and/or process engineering.
General physical fitness and dexterity for work in tight quarters; ability to lift objects weighing more than 25 pounds.
Flexibility to work a schedule that varies with site operational needs.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt, and innovate.
Advanced degree in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering.
Five or more years of hands-on experience with cryogenic fluid systems in a professional setting or outside-the-classroom project team.
Demonstrated expertise designing and operating fluid systems.
Experience using and troubleshooting control systems for remote operations and instrumentation feedback.
Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems, including high-pressure, high-energy, hazardous gases, and fluids.
PLC programming experience; Siemens is preferred.
Experience using CAD for 3D modeling, such as NX or SolidWorks.
Ability to work well in an integrated, collaborative team with daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers.
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight.
Demonstrated ability to lead a multidisciplinary team of technicians and engineers.

Responsibilities

Serve as the responsible engineer for one or more fluids ground systems, including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems.
Apply knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, controls, and instrumentation to analyze, design, and document production systems.
Manage interdisciplinary teams in designing, building, activating, and maintaining fluids engineering projects from requirements definition through obsolescence.
Identify, design, and implement fluid-system upgrades involving components, systems, software, and processes to drive continuous improvement.
Collaborate with production and build teams to anticipate fluid-system needs and recommend process designs for manufacturability.
Work alongside technicians to provide day-to-day ground-systems support, including testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and upgrades.
Provide expertise and recommendations to teams on pressurized components and safe operation of pressure systems.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount.
Comprehensive medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
May accrue three weeks of paid vacation.
Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.