Launch Engineer, Structures (Dragon)

LAUNCH ENGINEER, STRUCTURES (DRAGON)

SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals for an engineer position on the Spacecraft Integration - Dragon team. As a part of the team, you will utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to manage a team that will develop novel solutions in human spaceflight operations and reusability. You will support pre-launch and post-recovery operations as well as support refurbishment and testing of flight hardware for Dragon, designed to take crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. You will have ownership of your work and team in all phases. The role will also provide an opportunity to establish aircraft-like operations on Dragon and interface with engineering teams across the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute procedures for the integration, test and operation of Crew/Cargo Dragon flight hardware
• Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of Dragon ground support equipment
• Responsible for enabling day-to-day execution of mission-specific launch site and vehicle processing activities, including but not limited to thermal protection system closeout for flight, capsule transport, integration of Dragon to trunk, integration of Dragon to Falcon, and post-flight TPS removal/time-sensitive maintenance
• Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly, system test requirements and procedures based on lessons learned from both flight and ground operations
• 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/hardware configurations and work scope
• Design and develop tools to enable vehicle processing and ensure vehicle testing abilities
• 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
• Communicate vehicle status to a broad audience in readiness reviews and daily updates

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, or operations (internship and project experience applies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of industry experience (automotive, aviation or spacecraft manufacturing) working with composite structures and/or large mechanical assemblies
• 1+ years experience with advanced composites manufacturing processes (out-of-autoclave prepreg processing, drilling and routing of composites, structural adhesives) for large scale, primary structures in a production environment
• Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Experience working with hypergolic propellants
• Experience working with high pressure and electrical systems
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
• Experience in mechanical component and/or tooling design analysis using 3D CAD software
• Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA)
• Familiarity with test procedures and non-destructive evaluation of structural composites
• 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
  • Data acquisition setup and field measurements
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Ability to rotate to a night shift when needed for test campaigns and mission-critical operations
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• 50-hour work weeks are typical, schedule varies depending on site operational needs, flexibility required
• Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs.)
• 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)
• Must be willing to travel
• Must be willing to work outdoors