SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

Launch Engineer - Dragon

Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeCape Canaveral, FL, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.
At least 1 year of experience in hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, structural assembly, test operations, or related operations is required; internship and project experience are accepted.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Space Force background check for work at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or carry materials or equipment weighing 15–35 pounds.
Willingness to be trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and handle hazardous materials.
Ability to maintain high concentration and perform effectively in high-stress conditions, including prolonged focus and extended work hours.
Willingness to work outdoors as required.
Flexibility to support typical 60-hour work weeks and varying schedules based on operational needs.
To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities

Develop, execute, and continuously improve procedures for integrating, testing, and operating Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware and associated ground support equipment.
Lead day-to-day execution of mission-specific launch-site and vehicle-processing activities to ensure safe and efficient flight readiness.
Evaluate flight-vehicle requirements and define work scope for capsule maintenance and processing campaigns.
Manage work orders, drive non-conformances to resolution, implement system improvements, and maintain accurate integrated planning documents across vehicle configurations.
Investigate and resolve vehicle, ground support equipment, and test-equipment failures by dispositioning issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
Design and develop hardware and software tools that enable and optimize vehicle-processing and test operations.
Collaborate daily with cross-functional engineering teams and skilled technicians.
Communicate vehicle status and priorities to a broad audience during readiness reviews and daily updates.

Desired Qualifications

At least 3 years of industry experience in automotive, aviation, or spacecraft manufacturing working with large integrated assemblies.
Hands-on experience with high-pressure fluid systems, avionics, structures, and mechanisms.
Experience writing test plans and procedures and executing integrated system tests.
Proficiency reading fluid and electrical schematics to analyze and improve test coverage, with the ability to verify designs using simplified hand calculations; finite element analysis or computational fluid dynamics experience is a plus.
Mechanical component and tooling design experience using 3D computer-aided design at intermediate proficiency; NX is preferred. Experience producing fabrication drawings and applying design for manufacturing and assembly principles is also desired.
Ability to apply first-principles reasoning to engineering problems, question requirements, and remove parts or process steps.
Hands-on fabrication skills including machining with a mill or lathe, welding, and 3D printing.
Experience using artificial intelligence coding tools to accelerate scripting, automation, and software development.
Acute attention to detail and the ability to identify cross-system interactions and prevent issues, with strong problem-solving and decision-making under tight deadlines and high-stress conditions.
Ability to communicate clearly across diverse groups, work independently and in teams, and balance cost, schedule, and technical performance.
Adaptability, ability to rapidly shift priorities, and willingness to support efficient operations in a fast-paced environment.
Travel may be required to support critical Starship or AI-related projects within the company.

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.

LAUNCH ENGINEER, DRAGON

SpaceX is seeking exceptional candidates for a Launch Engineer position on the Dragon Integration team. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise, hands-on experience, and creative problem-solving to develop solutions that advance human spaceflight operations and vehicle reusability. You will play a critical part in the maintenance, testing, and readiness of Dragon Spacecraft designed to safely transport crew and cargo to and from Low Earth Orbit. We are looking for engineers with deep expertise in Structures, Fluids, or Test backgrounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, execute, and continuously improve procedures for the integration, testing, and operation of Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware and associated ground support equipment (GSE)
Lead day-to-day execution of mission-specific launch site and vehicle processing activities, ensuring safe and efficient readiness for flight
Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and define work scope for capsule maintenance and processing campaigns
Manage work orders, drive non-conformances to resolution, and implement system improvements while maintaining accurate integrated planning documents across various vehicle configurations
Investigate and resolve vehicle, GSE, and test equipment failures by dispositioning issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective and preventive actions
Design and develop hardware and software tools that enable and optimize vehicle processing and test operations
Collaborate daily with cross-functional engineering teams and skilled technicians
Clearly communicate vehicle status and priorities to a broad audience during readiness reviews and daily updates

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline
1+ years of experience in hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, structural assembly, test operations, or related operations (internship and project experience accepted)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

3+ years of industry experience in automotive, aviation, or spacecraft manufacturing working with large integrated assemblies
Hands-on experience with high-pressure fluid systems, avionics, structures, and mechanisms
Experience writing test plans/procedures and executing integrated system tests
Proficiency reading fluid and electrical schematics to analyze and improve test coverage, with the ability to verify designs using simplified hand calculations (FEA or CFD a plus)
Mechanical component and tooling design experience using 3D CAD (intermediate proficiency; NX preferred), including producing fabrication drawings and applying DFMA principles
Ability to apply first-principles reasoning to engineering problems, question requirements, and delete parts or process steps
Hands-on fabrication skills including machining (mill/lathe), welding, and 3D printing
Experience using AI coding tools to accelerate scripting, automation, and software development
Acute attention to detail with the ability to identify cross-system interactions and prevent issues, paired with strong problem-solving and decision-making under tight deadlines and high-stress conditions
Collaborative team player who communicates clearly across diverse groups, works effectively both independently and in teams, and balances cost, schedule, and technical performance
Positive, adaptable attitude with the ability to rapidly shift priorities, maintain high urgency in a fast-paced environment, and support efficient operations as needed

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to obtain and maintain a Space Force background check for work at Cape Canaveral, Florida
Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for extended periods and lifting/carrying materials or equipment weighing 15–35 lbs
Willingness to be trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and to handle hazardous materials
Ability to maintain high concentration and perform effectively in a high-stress environment that may involve prolonged focus and extended work hours
Willingness to work outdoors as required
Travel may be required to provide support to critical Starship or AI related projects within the company
Flexibility to support typical 60-hour work weeks and varying schedules based on operational needs

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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 reach out to [email protected].

About the Company

SpaceX

Builds rockets and runs Starlink satellite internet

SpaceX builds and launches reusable rockets and spacecraft for NASA, the military, and companies, and it runs Starlink, a satellite internet service for homes and businesses. In 2020, its Dragon capsule became the first privately built spacecraft to carry astronauts to the International Space Station. Its Falcon 9 rocket lands its first stage so the booster can fly again, which cuts launch costs, while Starlink beams internet from low-orbit satellites to small dishes for a monthly fee. SpaceX also owns xAI, maker of the Grok chatbot and owner of the social network X, and is building Starship, a fully reusable rocket meant to carry people to the Moon and Mars. Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, and it is based in Starbase, Texas.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Starbase, Texas
Founded: 2002

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