SR. LAUNCH ENGINEER, PROPULSION (DRAGON)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This role is primarily focused on Dragon Propulsion system integration, pressurized checkouts, and efficiency projects
• Provide technical guidance on and lead efforts to achieve long term department and program-wide goals
• Mentor junior engineers and be the resident subject matter expert for the team
• Develop and execute procedures for the integration and test of crew/cargo Dragon flight hardware and ground support equipment
• Become a Dragon vehicle controller and test conductor to run Dragon integrated system pressurized testing and proofing operations
• Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and work scope definition for capsule refurbishment campaigns, including evaluation of change, risk, and previous as built conditions
• Manage projects to drive impactful change in how we refurbish Dragon
• Responsible for enabling day-to-day execution of the vehicle maintenance, integration, propellant system checkouts and test flow
• Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly and system test procedures based on lessons learned to mature status
• Design high-level vehicle maintenance architecture including build flow and test operations for maximum efficiency
• Manage work orders and the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements
• Maintain large integrated planning documents that are inclusive of varying capsule configurations and work scope
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure vehicle testing abilities
• Help develop, build and maintain Dragon processing facilities
• Closely collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
• Work with a government or commercial customer on pre- and post- flight preparations for human spaceflight
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience with hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, or operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in writing complex integration work instructions on integrated assemblies
• Experience working with high pressure and/ or electrical and/or high hazard systems
• Experience interacting with CAD software and large CAD models
• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Demonstrated success providing mentorship to junior engineers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• May be exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    
Launch Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year    
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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.