Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment

About the role

Become a vital member of the Falcon Integration team, where you will engage in the design, construction, and activation of fluid and mechanical systems essential for the seamless operation of Falcon 9 processing, spacecraft integration, and umbilical refurbishment. This position involves hands-on collaboration with technicians, leading design reviews, and ensuring that ground support equipment maintains an impressive uptime of over 99% for flight hardware integration.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and implement structural, tooling, fluid, and transportation equipment necessary for vehicle processing and launch operations at the launch site.
• Provide support for Stage 1, Stage 2, Fairing, and payload operations, focusing on vehicle interface tooling for both structural and fluid connections from dockside to launch.
• Perform flight inspections and oversee the refurbishment of pad umbilicals following each mission to ensure operational readiness.
• Utilize hand calculations, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to confirm that hardware complies with both internal and customer specifications.
• Lead design reviews and activation tests for new equipment to ensure functionality and safety.
• Serve as the technical liaison for both customers and suppliers, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Engage directly in field operations during the construction and testing of ground systems, working closely with technician teams.
• Collaborate on essential operations that involve mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems on non-flight hardware, ensuring all systems function as intended.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in an engineering field is required.
• A minimum of 1 year of practical experience with hardware in fabrication, assembly, or testing environments.
• Must be able to pass an Air Force background check for access to Vandenberg Space Force Base.
• Physical capability to stand and lift weights ranging from 15 to 30 lbs on a regular basis.
• Ability to maintain concentration in high-pressure, high-stress environments, often requiring extended hours.
• Flexibility to work across various shifts as needed.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for project needs.

Nice to have

• Experience using NX/Teamcenter for part and assembly design is a plus.
• Familiarity with CAD and FEA tools through professional, academic, or personal projects is beneficial.
• Proficiency in commercial FEA or multiphysics software such as NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, or CFD codes is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ownership of hardware or systems as part of an integrated team outside of academic coursework (e.g., FSAE, Engineers Without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal projects).
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or Excel for analytical or scientific purposes is desirable.
• Practical experience in troubleshooting or designing complex fluid systems, including pressure vessels, filters, relief valves, manual valves, regulators, and gauges.
• Understanding of ASME B31.3 and ASME B&PV Code Section VIII for fluid-related work.
• Knowledge of mechanical system standards such as AFSPCMAN 91-710, ASME B30, ASME BTH-1, or NASA-STD-5005 is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• General mechanical skills, including welding, automotive repair, robotics, or rocketry experience.
• Adaptability to rapid changes in strategic direction and project requirements.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in CAD software (NX preferred).
• Experienced in FEA and multiphysics simulation tools (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, CFD).
• Skilled in analytical programming using Python, MATLAB, or Excel.
• Knowledgeable in fluid system design according to ASME codes.
• Familiar with mechanical standards such as AFSPCMAN 91-710, ASME B30, ASME BTH-1, and NASA-STD-5005.

Practical notes

• ITAR compliance: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or eligible for required State Department authorization.
• Salary range for Level I: $100,000 to $115,000 annually.
• Salary range for Level II: $110,000 to $135,000 annually.
• The specific level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Additional compensation may include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and a discounted stock purchase plan.
• Benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of paid vacation, more than ten paid holidays, and paid sick leave according to company policy.
• For accommodation requests, please contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com.