Launch Engineer, Propulsion (Dragon)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Cape Canaveral, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Cape Canaveral, FL

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Launch Engineer for Propulsion at SpaceX is responsible for the integration and testing of the Dragon propulsion system, focusing on pressurized checkouts, hypergolic propellants, and fluid operations. This role involves developing procedures for crew and cargo Dragon flight hardware, managing refurbishment projects, and ensuring efficient vehicle maintenance and testing processes. The engineer will collaborate with various teams to enhance vehicle processing and support human spaceflight preparations.

Responsibilities

• 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, proofing, and fluids 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.

Requirements

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

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in writing complex integration work instructions on integrated assemblies.
• Experience working with high pressure and/or electrical and/or high hazard systems.
• Experience with automation particularly of fluids 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short & long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.