Launch Pad Engineer, Fluid Systems

SpaceX • Cape Canaveral, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Pad Engineer to join its Launch Pad Engineering Team in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The role applies multidisciplinary engineering knowledge and creativity to improve launch pad operations while maximizing efficiency without compromising safety or reliability.

The engineer is responsible for ensuring launch pad ground support equipment is inspected, configured, and tested to meet Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interface requirements. During integrated launch operations, the engineer leads technicians through operational procedures to support successful, on-time launches. The position also serves as the lead engineer during pad refurbishment and launch operations and represents SpaceX in presenting certification packages and engineering data to U.S. government agencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, computer science, or another engineering discipline.
• At least 1 year of professional experience working with fluid, mechanical, or low-voltage electrical systems.
• Ability to work weekends and night shifts as needed.
• Ability to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel may be up to 15%.
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.
• Must meet U.S. government 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

• Experience at a rocket launch or test facility supporting launch or test campaigns.
• Experience using and troubleshooting control systems for remote operations and instrumentation feedback.
• Experience using CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis programs.
• Experience using SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or similar CAD software.
• Experience using Python or other programming languages for data review and analysis.
• Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems, including high-pressure, high-energy, or hazardous gas and fluid systems.
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control components such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, and pneumatic valves.
• Knowledge of engineering standards and best practices such as ASME B31.3, ASME BPV Code Section VIII, and AFSPCMAN 91-710.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Strong work ethic and drive for continuous improvement, balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the responsible engineer for one or more launch pad fluid systems, including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems.
• Apply knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, controls, and instrumentation to troubleshoot launch pad system issues.
• Work with and direct technicians performing troubleshooting, maintenance, upgrades, and operational procedures.
• Contribute to developing and improving functional automation for assigned fluid systems.
• Identify and implement hardware, software, and procedure upgrades, coordinating with teams across SpaceX to drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct post-launch data reviews for assigned systems, both automated and manual.
• Serve as lead engineer for the pads during refurbishment and launch operations.
• Present certification packages and engineering data to U.S. government agencies on behalf of SpaceX.

What This Job Offers

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