Recovery Engineer (F9 Booster & Fairings)

About the role

SpaceX operates the world's first automated unmanned vessel certified to land orbital class vehicles. This role has the opportunity to work with an elite team to develop and execute the processing operations of landed Falcon 9 boosters and fairings. Recovering and re-flying rockets is historic and has changed the industry for the future…and you could be a part of that team.

Responsibilities

• Own overall mission campaigns to process Falcon 9 boosters and fairings at the Port of Long Beach
• Develop procedures, test plans, and concept of operations for F9 flight hardware processing and quick deliveries back to Vandenberg
• Drive more efficient operations to improve Falcon 9 recovery cost and hardware health for improved refurbishment timelines
• Resolve blockers to operations in the field and make real-time decisions to keep team moving
• Design, build, and test new ground support equipment in support of improving recovery operations
• Ensure systems are in place to guarantee hardware readiness - including, but not limited to, preventative maintenance, critical spares, and hardware testing
• Remain synchronized with all recovery operations on both coasts to ensure commonality in both hardware and operations where applicable
• Interface between Launch Teams, Vehicle Refurbishment, Flight Hardware Logistics, Ground Support Equipment, Responsible Engineers, and Recovery to improve overall strategies with Falcon 9 reuse
• Support operations as needed as a trained Vehicle Controller and manually command the rocket for critical operations
• Create/modify automation for controlling the Falcon 9 booster to streamline processing
• Willingness to learn and grow engineering knowledge across flight hardware processing, tooling design, automation, and more
• Periodically embark on recovery voyages across the Pacific Ocean, joining elite teams to retrieve rockets and fairings in dynamic offshore environments while solving real-world engineering problems

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience developing and/or processing aerospace or aviation systems

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 2+ years of hands-on experience building, maintaining, modifying, troubleshooting and operating ground support equipment
• Experience operating fluid, mechanical, or electrical systems and background working with complex, multi-disciplinary system assemblies
• Experience planning, executing, leading and improving operations involving more than 10 personnel
• Experience with critical operations where real-time decision-making affects success criteria
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily communication/interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
• Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency

Additional Requirements

• Position may require long hours (10-12+ hour days) and weekend work
• Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment
• Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea
• Ability to climb ladders and work in tight/confined spaces
• Willing to work with hazardous materials
• Ability to operate heavy machinery
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base
• Must have a valid driver's license

Pay Range

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00

Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.