Launch Operations Engineer (Starship)

About the role

At SpaceX, our commitment to reliability begins with design but is realized through exhaustive testing and high future launch cadence. To thoroughly vet hardware and ensure vehicle quality, the launch operations team pushes our hardware to its limits under as close-to-flight conditions as possible, then sends it to orbit! Launch operations engineers are ultimately responsible for the entire operational process.

They develop test requirements, develop launch plans, integrate the on-pad flight/test articles, perform on-console operation of the entire launch system, conduct tests, analyze data to confirm performance and inform the vehicle and ground design/production processes, and serve as the primary flight controllers for launch events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-console flight controllers during launch events
• Test integrated rocket hardware to determine suitability for flight
• Provide on-console engineering support for technicians during daily test/launch stand operations
• Write and review control logic/automation for test & launch systems
• Perform real-time and post-op data review to evaluate the performance of launch/test article and stand systems (software, fluid, structural, thermal, electrical). This includes documenting operational results and recommending areas for upgrades and improvement
• Find innovative ways to create, review, and optimize test & launch processes/procedures to increase launch system capability and rate
• Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards; then work to resolve these by collaborating with design, production, and ground system engineers on improvements for flight hardware and processes
• Serve as the final authority to ensure all operations are conducted in a safe manner
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with complex and/or low-margin mechanical, structural, fluid, and electronic systems
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous requirements and aggressive timelines
• High levels of personal autonomy and self-driven motivation
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
• Demonstrated history of working efficiently with hazardous systems (high pressure, high voltage, cryogenic, toxic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric)
• High level of familiarity with complex system control and instrumentation
• Experience with analytical data review tools and numerical methods to solve real-world problems (Python, R, MATLAB, NI LabVIEW)
• Demonstrated experience in effective root cause and failure analysis
• Experience writing and optimizing high-risk technical procedures and work instructions
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Must be able to work extended hours, weekends, and night shifts as needed
• Must be able to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches - up to 15%
• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.