Launch Engineer - Vehicle Integration
Job description
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About the role
You will define and control the end-to-end integration strategy for Nova, owning the critical path from initial concept through commissioning and daily operations at the Cape Canaveral launch complex. This role requires you to act as the primary interface between vehicle design and ground system execution, ensuring every bolt, sensor, and procedure aligns with our aggressive flight cadence goals. You will architect the ground support hardware and processes that make rapid, reliable vehicle integration possible, directly enabling the cost reduction and availability targets central to our mission. You will lead the development, procurement, and testing of complex mechanisms such as fluid connectors, access structures, and handling equipment in a fast-paced environment. As a hands-on leader, you will coordinate closely with vehicle, test, and software teams to resolve integration risks before they impact schedule or safety. You will be responsible for maintaining strict traceability from requirements through verification, ensuring every system is ready for the unique demands of daily launches. Your work will directly shape the operability and robustness of our launch pad, forming the foundation of a scalable space transportation system.
Key facts
What you'll do
Develop and maintain interface requirements and performance requirements for ground support equipment in coordination with the launch vehicle development team.
Develop, build, test, operate, and maintain ground support equipment including hardware required to integrate, handle, and transport flight vehicles on and within a launch complex.
Develop, maintain, and execute procedures for flight hardware including launch vehicle checkouts, integration, and processing.
Develop, build, operate, and maintain supporting launch facilities including integration facilities and payload processing facilities.
Develop, maintain, and execute procedures for commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and fluid system operations for ground support equipment and launch facilities.
Develop and track work orders for launch vehicle integration procedures.
Provide overall project and people management required to communicate schedule, budget, and overall status with the team.
Coordinate with multiple departments and disciplines, including headquarters and test, inclusive of software and hardware, to ensure the launch complex is ready to receive, process, and integrate flight hardware.
Provide engineering oversight for integration activities, including working "hands on hardware" with engineers and technicians.
Support launch operations as necessary on day of launch. Up to and including "on-console" support.
Continuously improve flight hardware processing with a long-term goal of daily launches.
Requirements
5+ years of experience in a related role working on launch vehicle processing and/or critical ground support equipment hardware processing in an aerospace or similar high-performance application (oil & gas, heavy equipment, energy systems, etc.).
Practical and theoretical knowledge of mechanical design and kinematics.
Proficient with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferred).
Proficient creating and implementing procedures.
Knowledge of the working principles of common mechanism components such as piston actuators, plain and rolling-element bearings, linkage mechanisms, hydraulic pumps, and electric motors.
Practical and theoretical knowledge of fluids design as related to physical vehicle hardware and infrastructure.
Ability to prioritize and execute.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar field.
Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL.
Nice to have
Not applicable based on the provided source.
Practical notes
Up to and including on-console support during launch operations.
Must be willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, Florida.
This is a full-time role with an expectation to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
.
About the role
You will define and control the end-to-end integration strategy for Nova, owning the critical path from initial concept through commissioning and daily operations at the Cape Canaveral launch complex. This role requires you to act as the primary interface between vehicle design and ground system execution, ensuring every bolt, sensor, and procedure aligns with our aggressive flight cadence goals. You will architect the ground support hardware and processes that make rapid, reliable vehicle integration possible, directly enabling the cost reduction and availability targets central to our mission. You will lead the development, procurement, and testing of complex mechanisms such as fluid connectors, access structures, and handling equipment in a fast-paced environment. As a hands-on leader, you will coordinate closely with vehicle, test, and software teams to resolve integration risks before they impact schedule or safety. You will be responsible for maintaining strict traceability from requirements through verification, ensuring every system is ready for the unique demands of daily launches. Your work will directly shape the operability and robustness of our launch pad, forming the foundation of a scalable space transportation system.
Key facts
What you'll do
Develop and maintain interface requirements and performance requirements for ground support equipment in coordination with the launch vehicle development team.
Develop, build, test, operate, and maintain ground support equipment including hardware required to integrate, handle, and transport flight vehicles on and within a launch complex.
Develop, maintain, and execute procedures for flight hardware including launch vehicle checkouts, integration, and processing.
Develop, build, operate, and maintain supporting launch facilities including integration facilities and payload processing facilities.
Develop, maintain, and execute procedures for commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and fluid system operations for ground support equipment and launch facilities.
Develop and track work orders for launch vehicle integration procedures.
Provide overall project and people management required to communicate schedule, budget, and overall status with the team.
Coordinate with multiple departments and disciplines, including headquarters and test, inclusive of software and hardware, to ensure the launch complex is ready to receive, process, and integrate flight hardware.
Provide engineering oversight for integration activities, including working "hands on hardware" with engineers and technicians.
Support launch operations as necessary on day of launch. Up to and including "on-console" support.
Continuously improve flight hardware processing with a long-term goal of daily launches.
Requirements
5+ years of experience in a related role working on launch vehicle processing and/or critical ground support equipment hardware processing in an aerospace or similar high-performance application (oil & gas, heavy equipment, energy systems, etc.).
Practical and theoretical knowledge of mechanical design and kinematics.
Proficient with 3D CAD software (Siemens NX preferred).
Proficient creating and implementing procedures.
Knowledge of the working principles of common mechanism components such as piston actuators, plain and rolling-element bearings, linkage mechanisms, hydraulic pumps, and electric motors.
Practical and theoretical knowledge of fluids design as related to physical vehicle hardware and infrastructure.
Ability to prioritize and execute.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar field.
Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL.
Nice to have
Not applicable based on the provided source.
Practical notes
Up to and including on-console support during launch operations.
Must be willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, Florida.
This is a full-time role with an expectation to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.