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, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 

Work as part of a small team of elite engineers designing and improving the mechanical, electrical and control systems at our rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Be there on the ground floor, getting your hands dirty and contributing directly to the success of future launches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Multi-disciplinary position responsible for the design, operation, installation, and test of low power electrical systems at SpaceX’s east coast launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
• Responsible for the ground support control and instrumentation systems that operate the fueling and operation of the launch vehicle/spacecraft to support launch day activities. Directly involved with all cape GSE build, checkouts, and troubleshooting
• Operate, upgrade and maintain all data acquisition system hardware at launch and support sites
• Control and maintain network infrastructure interfaces to data acquisition system
• Build and design junction boxes and conveyances for end instruments
• Create electrical schematics for new instrumentation
• Use electrical equipment in the field to verify functionality of end instruments
• Maintain systems through a preventative maintenance program
• Address physical installation issues and wear/tear/corrosion of electrical components
• Write procedures to address both routine tasks as well as off-nominal troubleshooting steps
• Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from specialized equipment to challenging installation locations and blast environments
• Basic electrical installation of valves, limit switches, potentiometers, etc.
• Design, build, and operation of servo motor controls

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• 1+ years of experience with basic low power systems and basic DC circuits and filters

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
• Experience in the following fields: robotics, automotive, aircraft, marine, autonomous vehicles, RF or communication systems, power plant or chemical process type industrial systems
• Experience with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies
• Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team
• Able to perform in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
• Able to juggle a multitude of tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Sound verbal and written communication skills
• Enjoys field work and getting hands dirty
• Experience working at a rocket launch facility and supporting launch campaigns
• Proficient in Python, SQL, HTML, Java, and MS excel
• Experience with Modbus
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
• Work schedule may vary depending on site operational needs, and flexibility is required
• Able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs. unassisted
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to work at elevated heights
• Willing to operate heavy machinery
• Able to work in confined spaces
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, ice
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

COMPENSATION AND 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 influence 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.