Sr. Launch Engineer, Falcon Engineering

SpaceX • Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA

266d • $125,000 - $175,000

About The Position

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future with humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. The Sr. Launch Engineer in Falcon Engineering will be responsible for processing Falcon 9 flight vehicles to ensure rapid and reliable rocket re-use, integration, and launch. This role involves developing and executing procedures for the checkout and integration of new and flight-proven rockets and ground support equipment, as well as leading hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of vehicle assemblies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical and/or fluid systems in the design, manufacturing, or implementation phases

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in one of the following engineering disciplines: mechatronics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering
• 5+ years of professional experience designing, building, integrating, and testing complex multi-disciplinary systems
• Experience writing test plans and test procedures
• Experience working on projects that involve the integration of electrical, mechanical, and software systems (launch vehicle and/or spacecraft experience is not required)
• Proficient in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following: launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; composite structure design or testing; test operations with gases/fluids; data acquisition setup and field measurements
• Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.)
• Professional experience working with large assembly moves (e.g. crane operations)
• Flight hardware avionics experience
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity

Responsibilities

• Process Falcon 9 flight vehicles in the pursuit of rapid and reliable rocket re-use, integration and launch
• Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of new and flight proven rockets and ground support equipment
• Assist with and lead hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of new and flight-proven vehicle assemblies
• Lead critical on-site operations while collaborating with engineering staff from other departments and SpaceX locations to resolve off-nominal test results and ensure flight readiness
• Partner with, and provide direction to highly skilled field technicians on a daily basis
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle assembly and conduct vehicle system testing
• Identify high-risk processes and problems during flight hardware processing, and proactively implement improvements to ensure operational excellence
• Lead and facilitate root cause and corrective action investigations to ensure that issues related to product reliability and quality that cause downstream disruption are corrected
• Rapidly develop and refine manufacturing assembly procedures based on lessons learned
• Manage work orders and the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements

Benefits

• Pay range: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
• Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• 5 days of sick leave per year

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree