Launch Engineer, Spacecraft Hypergols (Dragon)

LAUNCH ENGINEER, SPACECRAFT HYPERGOLS (DRAGON) 

SpaceX is seeking a talented and driven engineer to join the Dragon hypergol operations team and be the extreme owner of all customer spacecraft fueling operations. In this role you will ensure SpaceX facility, personnel, and hardware are prepared to integrate with our customer’s fueling teams to safety and successfully load their spacecraft with hypergolic propellants. You will also be operating fueling and hazardous operations and owning processes and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).  

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RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Engineering owner for hypergol fueling preparations and operations of customer payloads 
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation for preventative maintenance of ground support equipment and facility infrastructure for hypergol fueling operations 
• Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of commercial/government spacecraft integration, and spacecraft fueling ground support equipment 
• Closely collaborate with engineering staff and highly skilled technicians daily 
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals 
• Manage the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements reflected in work instructions 
• Perform detailed reviews of customer propellent system schematics, ground support systems schematics, and fueling procedures 
• Host Ground Operations Working Group (GOWG) meeting with customer teams to review requirements for fueling operations  
• Manage multiple parallel facility improvement projections relating to fluid systems, fire safety systems, and hazardous vapor detection and management systems 
• Coordinate operations and support with the fueling test conductors on the payload integration team. 
• Tackle high impact engineering projects across the team, including broader priority Dragon projects 
• Run checkouts and load as a test conductor for fueling operations of customer and Dragon operations  
• Drive efficiencies between Payload and Dragon hypergol operations, collaborating closely with both teams as a hypergol SME  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline 
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical and/or fluid systems (class projects and/or internship experience qualifies) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: hazardous operations, fluid operations, hypergolics or energetic fluids, heavy industry, facility fluid system activation/maintenance, console operations, launch vehicle or spacecraft integration; operations in 100,000 class or better clean rooms; test operations with gases/fluids; data acquisition setup and field measurements 
• Strong written and oral communication skills, a meticulous attention to detail, an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, adherence to corporate policies and standards, a great attitude, and the ability to work with a team 
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance 
• Ability to work well in a team environment 
• Ability to work well with a wide range of people across multiple organizations, including mission management, customers, and vendors 
• Professional experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases/fluids, etc.) 
• Project management experience with large budgets high impact projects  
• Familiarity with spacecraft propulsion systems, hypergolic propellants, and hazardous material handling 
• Design, build, and operation of complex fluid systems with electromechanical instrumentation and control  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral 
• Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 35 lbs.) 
• Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours) 
• Occasional travel may be required 
• Schedules vary due to site operational needs, and night/weekend shift rotations are often necessary – flexibility is required 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Launch Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Launch Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.