Advance the course of human history and pave the ways to Mars

This is SpaceX. We are not like most companies. Our goal is to do what has never before been done–enabling mankind to live on other planets. We push the boundaries of what is currently possible, and understand it takes rare individuals to help us make this happen. We celebrate our successes, and each other. We seek future colleagues with a rare mix of drive, passion, scrappiness, intelligence, and curiosity to seek what’s beyond the stars.

Playing a direct role in advancing the course of human history is no small endeavor. Join us, and find your place in the SpaceX legacy.

Process Engineer (Launch Site), Vandenberg

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the fluid systems that will be used to launch the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The work will take place with a small team of fluid engineers – each owning 2-3 fluid systems. These systems include: Liquid Oxygen, RP-1 kerosene, Helium, Nitrogen, hydraulics and Air Conditioning.
  • Responsible for 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.
  • Your work will take place in a fast paced environment where you will take ownership in all aspects of your system.
  • Close collaboration with fellow engineers and field technicians will occur daily.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Hands-on experience working with complex fluid or mechanical systems in a professional setting or outside the classroom project team

Preferred Skills And Experience

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering * Demonstrated expertise in the design of propellant and gas systems * Experience modeling fluid system prior to construction to increase system reliability * Experience using and troubleshooting ground control systems required for remote operations and instrumentation feedback * Experience with fluid systems engineering, assembly, operation or test * General hands-on mechanical experience: automotive, robotics, rocketry etc.

Additional Requirements

  • Must be willing to travel on occasion

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.

Connect With Us

Want to learn more about SpaceX career opportunities and culture? Be sure to connect with our recruiting team on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and SpaceX Careers.

Desired Skills and Experience

See application page for details