Launch Engineer, Fluid Systems (Starship)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

LAUNCH ENGINEER, FLUID SYSTEMS (STARSHIP)

Aggressively-paced, constantly-evolving, results-focused, real-as-it-gets engineering positions available for the ambitious. We design, build, activate, modify, improve, and maintain the fluid systems that fuel the most powerful rocket in the world. Aimed at pivoting and fixing issues every day, you can plan on having your skills put to the test, having hardware you designed, made, and installed the same day in a development-focused environment. From tens of thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens to tens of pounds per second of high-pressure gas, we develop clever solutions to meet the needs of a demanding launch and test program both today and in the future.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Analyze, design, and build systems that support critical rocket launches and testing

Cradle-to-grave project ownership through hosting design reviews, project decision justification, equipment procurement, and coordination and assistance of the construction of your ideas

Design modular hardware capable of being manufactured at volume for future launch sites across the world

Apply interdisciplinary engineering skills in fields of system-level process design and initial sizing, detailed pressurized fluid and thermal analysis, structural engineering, materials, and component selection, and cost/schedule optimization

Work directly with technicians and support groups to build your designs, and fix real-world problems on the fly

Maintain a tight feedback loop with the launch operations team to rapidly alter plans as necessary to meet tight deadlines

Activate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives and iterate system maintenance strategies to reduce future downtimes

Independently evaluate complex problems and arrive at solutions to seemingly impractical problems that best support the program

Hands-on approach to tackling daily field projects necessary to keep the company launching rockets

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in physics, 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:

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a high-paced, challenging work environment

Willingness to perform other related duties to ensure an efficient and effective work environment

Experience with quick thinking and problem-solving in stressful situations

Experience solving challenges posed by short deadlines

Strong fundamental intuition of fluid and/or structural/mechanical systems

Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch

General hands-on experience with machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques is a plus

Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, verification against a model

3+ years of mechanical, fluids, or thermal design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent

Experience with high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and components

Experience producing drawings for welders and machine shop fabrication

Collaborative team player, eager to find the best solution while balancing cost and schedule

Acute attention to detail, ability to see interactions with other systems to avoid problems

Intermediate skill level using CAD (NX a plus)

Ability to verify designs with simplified hand calculations; experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a plus

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) piping and pressure vessel design experience

Creative and passionate approach to addressing opportunities and challenges, and an enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive can-do attitude

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility is required

Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.

Ability to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Working conditions may be 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

Ability to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 6 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 25 lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

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 .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected] .