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.

Mechanical Engineer, Launch Site

Overview

As a team, the launch pad engineering team is responsible for all of the fluids systems necessary to launch our Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets including our Liquid Oxygen, RP-1 kerosene, Helium, Nitrogen, hydraulics, and Air Conditioning systems. We are looking for an experienced mechanical engineer to join the team and help us continue redefining the way rockets are processed, launched, and landed. Our environment is fast-paced and you will be given significant autonomy over all aspects of one of our fluids system upgrades. Key responsibilities include system design, implementation, activation, and sustainment planning. 

Responsibilities

  • Work with a small, highly collaborative team of fluid engineers to maintain and upgrade all fluid systems necessary to launch the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. Each engineer owns 2-3 fluid systems. 
  • For your specific fluid systems, you will be responsible for all system design (schematics, component list, costs, periodic maintenance), implementation (plumbing, welding, valve installation), activation (mechanical and electrical testing) and sustainment.
  • Vandenberg fluid engineers also have the opportunity to become control room operators – the engineers responsible for launching the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets.
  • You must be a self-starter that will seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team along with the larger SpaceX workforce. Expect interactions with all departments and aspects of the rocket design.
  • Provide innovative solutions to problems while working with minimal supervision.
  • Activation testing of your systems will be performed by you and a small team of engineers and technicians. You will also be called upon to support your teammates in the commissioning and testing of their constituent fluid systems.
  • Maintain a high level of understanding of relevant engineering codes and piping standards including ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, ANSI and API standards.
  • Represent SpaceX by presenting certification packages and engineering data US government agencies including NASA, US Air Force and other DoD customers.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. 
  • 2+ years of recent experience with fluid systems, hydraulics and/or HVAC systems.
  • Experience in piping layout design at industrial facilities.

Preferred Skills And Experience

  • Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
  • Hands-on experience working with complex fluid or mechanical systems in a professional setting or outside the classroom project team.
  • Extensive field work experience in a heavy industrial environment.
  • Experience modeling fluid system prior to construction to increase system reliability.
  • Working knowledge of pipe, pipe fittings, valves, piping support, insulation, insulation jacketing, and equipment installation.
  • Experience using and troubleshooting ground control systems required for remote operations and instrumentation feedback.
  • Experience with fluid systems engineering, assembly, operation or test.
  • Knowledge of process design including PFDs, P&IDs, utility sizing, process layout, equipment specifications, submittals, selection, and drawings.
  • General hands-on mechanical experience: automotive, robotics, rocketry etc.

Additional Requirements

  • Must pass Vandenberg Air Force background check.
  • Must be willing to travel (approximately 10%) to other launch sites as necessary.
  • Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines.
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted, lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.

ITAR Requirements

  • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant 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 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

Desired Skills and Experience

See application page for details