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.

CREW DRAGON LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER (CAPE CANAVERAL)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for a position on the Crew Dragon Launch Operations team. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions in human spaceflight operations and reusability. You will work on pre-flight vehicle processing, recovery and refurbishment of the next generation Dragon spacecraft, designed to take crew and cargo to low earth orbit. For human flights, you will also work on pre-flight and recovery processing of the crew during their journey to the International Space Station. You will have ownership of your work in all phases of ground operation and will directly interface with astronauts. The role will also provide an opportunity to establish aircraft like operations on Dragon and interface with the design engineers on the next generation SpaceX Mars vehicle.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware and ground support equipment
• Lead Dragon vehicle and crew processing activities
• Help develop, build and maintain Dragon and crew 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
• Seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team along with the larger SpaceX workforce

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 3+ year of experience with complex, multi-disciplinary system assemblies. Past work experience, internships, team/personal projects with aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies qualify

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Experience with hypergols
• Strong background with hazardous chemical/material handling
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
• Proficiency in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following:  launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; operations in 100,000 class or better clean rooms; test operations with gases/fluids; and data acquisition setup and field measurements
• Ability to successfully complete a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
• Acute attention to detail
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
• A positive, upbeat attitude and ability to perform work expectations and thrive in a high-stress environment
• Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass Cape Canaveral Air Force background check
• Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 50 lbs.)
• Must be comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and willing to work with hazardous materials
• Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
• Ability to spend time at sea for days at a time
• Occasional travel may be required
• Willingness to work outdoors
• 50 hour work weeks are typical, schedule varies depending on site operational needs, flexibility required

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.