Sr. Launch Engineer, Propulsion (Dragon)

$125,000 - $175,000/Yr

SpaceX - Cape Canaveral, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Cape Canaveral, FL

5,001-10,000 employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Sr. Launch Engineer, Propulsion (Dragon) at SpaceX is responsible for the integration and testing of the Dragon propulsion system, focusing on efficiency projects and technical guidance. This role involves mentoring junior engineers, managing vehicle maintenance and integration, and collaborating with various engineering teams to ensure successful flight operations. The engineer will also design procedures and tools for vehicle processing and support both government and commercial customers in pre- and post-flight preparations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Dragon propulsion system integration and pressurized checkouts.
• Provide technical guidance to achieve long-term department and program-wide goals.
• Mentor junior engineers and serve as the subject matter expert.
• Develop and execute procedures for crew/cargo Dragon flight hardware integration and testing.
• Act as a Dragon vehicle controller and test conductor for integrated system testing.
• Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and manage capsule refurbishment campaigns.
• Drive impactful changes in Dragon refurbishment processes.
• Enable day-to-day execution of vehicle maintenance and propellant system checkouts.
• Refine inspection, repair, and assembly procedures based on lessons learned.
• Design vehicle maintenance architecture for efficiency.
• Manage work orders and drive non-conformances into actionable items.
• Maintain integrated planning documents for varying capsule configurations.
• Design and develop tools and hardware for vehicle processing.
• Collaborate with engineering staff and technicians daily.
• Work with customers on flight preparations and operations.
• Manage multiple priorities while focusing on project goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in hardware development, vehicle integration, or operations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience writing complex integration work instructions.
• Experience with high pressure, electrical, or high hazard systems.
• Familiarity with CAD software and large CAD models.
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Strong problem-solving skills with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven mentorship experience with junior engineers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short & long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with stock purchase options.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.