Launch Engineer, Fluid Systems (Starship)

SpaceX • Starbase, TX, TX

11h

About The Position

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Launch Engineer, Fluid Systems role supports Starship launch and test operations by designing, building, activating, modifying, improving, and maintaining fluid systems. The work is fast-paced and development-focused, with hands-on projects and rapid iteration to address issues and meet demanding launch and test schedules. Systems range from high-volume cryogenic fluids to high-pressure gas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering discipline.
• At least 1 year of hands-on build or design experience; internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies.
• Ability to respond to emergencies in support of priority projects, missions, and launches.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required.
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, wind, and rain when needed.
• Ability to work around fumes, odors, and noise, and in tight quarters requiring physical dexterity.
• Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, twist the upper body, work in cramped positions and small openings, and climb hand over hand.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 25 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to work on ladders and lifts and at elevated heights, using proper personal protective equipment.
• Ability to safely work at heights up to 500 feet, in confined spaces, and while operating heavy equipment and machinery; a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical may be required to confirm capabilities.
• Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while maintaining urgency in a fast-paced, challenging work environment.
• Willingness to perform related duties that support an efficient and effective work environment.
• Experience thinking quickly and solving problems under stress and short deadlines.
• Strong fundamental intuition for fluid and/or structural or mechanical systems.
• Creativity in designing for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from the ground up.
• Hands-on experience with machining, welding, or other fabrication techniques.
• Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, and verification against a model.
• At least 3 years of mechanical, fluids, or thermal design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent.
• Experience with high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and components.
• Experience producing drawings for welders and machine-shop fabrication.
• Collaborative approach to finding solutions while balancing cost and schedule.
• Acute attention to detail and ability to identify interactions with other systems to prevent problems.
• Intermediate CAD skills; NX is a plus.
• Ability to verify designs with simplified hand calculations; FEA or CFD experience is a plus.
• Experience with ASME piping and pressure-vessel design.
• Creative, passionate, enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive, can-do attitude.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, and build systems that support rocket launches and testing.
• Own projects from start to finish, including hosting design reviews, justifying project decisions, procuring equipment, and coordinating and assisting with construction.
• Design modular hardware suitable for volume manufacturing and use at future launch sites.
• Apply interdisciplinary engineering skills to process design and initial sizing, pressurized-fluid and thermal analysis, structural engineering, materials and component selection, and cost and schedule optimization.
• Work directly with technicians and support groups to build designs and resolve real-world problems.
• Maintain close feedback with launch operations and alter plans as needed to meet deadlines.
• Activate and troubleshoot equipment, achieve design objectives, and iterate maintenance strategies to reduce downtime.
• Independently evaluate complex problems and develop solutions that support the program.
• Take a hands-on approach to daily field projects needed to keep rocket launches on track.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level