Launch Engineer, Control & Flight Operations (Falcon Launch Ops)
About The Position
SpaceX is seeking an engineer to join the Falcon launch control team in Vandenberg. The role serves as an on-console shift operator supporting launch and pad operations across all three Falcon launch complexes: SLC-4E, SLC-40, and L-39A. The engineer develops and maintains SpaceX Ground Software automation that supports launch operations, improving its reliability, efficiency, and robustness. The role also trains toward qualification as a copilot and pilot controller for launch-day activities, using multidisciplinary, first-principles engineering to understand, communicate, and resolve issues involving pad, vehicle, and automation systems in high-stakes, time-critical environments. The position supports 24/7 operations, alternating between day and night shifts, and may require travel to other launch sites, up to 15%.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or another engineering discipline.
- At least 1 year of experience working with fluid, pressurized, or electrical systems.
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Vandenberg.
- Willingness to work weekends and night shifts as the launch manifest dictates.
- Willingness to travel to other launch sites to support operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%.
- Physical dexterity to work with flight hardware in tight quarters.
- Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, twist the upper body, work in cramped positions and small openings, and climb hand over hand.
- Comfort working outdoors as needed for system troubleshooting.
- Must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain required authorizations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working on rocket launch or test facilities and/or with rocket flight hardware.
- Experience with SpaceX Ground Software architecture.
- Experience interacting with control systems through a GUI or console.
- Experience troubleshooting and reviewing data to diagnose unhealthy or nonconforming hardware.
- Familiarity with controls and instrumentation hardware such as valves, transducers, regulators, and RTDs.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly in a time-critical environment.
Responsibilities
- Work as an on-console shift operator for launch operations, launch preparations, and refurbishment of pad systems.
- Develop and maintain SpaceX Ground Software automation that supports launch operations, improving its reliability, efficiency, and robustness.
- Work with field technicians over radio communications to carry out operations and troubleshoot faulty hardware or data.
- Train and acquire the knowledge and skills required to qualify as a copilot and pilot controller for day-of-launch operations.
- Apply multidisciplinary, first-principles engineering to understand, communicate, and resolve real-time issues involving pad, rocket, or automation subsystems in time-critical situations.
- Identify and implement improvements to automation or procedures that smooth operations, reduce manual intervention, and make processes more reliable and less prone to human error.
- Support 24/7 operations by alternating between day and night shifts.
Benefits
- Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
- Potential discretionary bonuses.
- Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- 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.
- Up to 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation.
- 10 or more paid holidays per year.
- Paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
