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.

SPACE ENVIRONMENT ANALYST 

On orbit, spacecraft may encounter debris and micrometeorites at velocities up to 15 km/s, and 70 km/s, respectively. At these speeds even particles the size of a grain of sand may pose a risk to unshielded spacecraft hardware. Your role will be to model spacecraft interactions with this environment, performing component-level risk assessments, and recommending mass-efficient shielding where necessary.

This requires knowledge of python / C++ to interact with analysis tools, as well as the ability to implement new features when posed with a niche problem that isn’t adequately covered with the existing toolset. Plan to utilize CAD tools to interact with spacecraft models to understand what shielding possibilities may be viable when operating under specified mass / volume / view-factor constraints. Finally, functionality of advanced shielding strategies must be empirically verified; be prepared to write and execute test plans to do so via the use of hypervelocity impact test facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Modelling and characterizing spacecraft interactions with the on-orbit micrometeorite and debris environment
• Quantifying component impact risk, working with RE’s to optimize subsystems for resilience against hypervelocity impacts
• Developing shielding configurations, writing test plans, and carrying out hypervelocity impact testing on two stage light gas guns to evaluate ballistic performance of shielding stackups
• Developing damage model enhancements when faced with analytical needs that aren’t covered by the existing set of tools

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor of Science Degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline
• 2+ years programming experience
• 2+ years CAD experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 3+ years’ experience in Python / C++
• 3+ years’ experience in NX
• Experience with ORDEM 3.0 and MEMR2
• Experience with hypervelocity impact testing and ballistic limit development
• Coursework in space environments (or similar past experience)
• Familiarity with basic principles of orbital mechanics
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems, understanding of the types of vehicle attitude requirements that may be imposed by each
• Experience in statistical data analysis
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Capability to solve complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be willing to travel
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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.