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.
FLUIDS ENGINEER, LAUNCH HARDWARE ENGINEERING
The Launch Hardware Engineering team is seeking a talented Fluids Engineer where you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to rapidly design, build, and activate fluid systems supporting launch pads, landing facilities, test sites, production facilities and other locations as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, build, and activate cryogenic, high pressure, oxygen-clean, hydraulic, or other fluid systems to support the launch and processing of Starship and Superheavy Booster
- Utilize knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid flow, and control theory to design and analyze launch and production fluids systems
- Model piping assemblies using CAD software and perform piping stress analysis
- Read and develop detailed piping and instrumentation diagrams of complex fluids systems
- Select components, such as valves, pumps, piping, tanks, and filters, and provide detailed specifications for their purchase
- Coordinate with engineers from other disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, controls, etc) to establish a complete system design
- Manage the fabrication and installation of fluid systems and other construction projects occurring at the launch and test sites, hands-on in the field, alongside skilled technician teams
- Perform planning, analysis, and troubleshooting of system performance during real-time activation operations and post-test data reviews
- Work closely with operations teams to ensure system design is well-understood and easy to operate long term
- Provide innovative solutions to problems under minimal supervision or direction
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with fluid systems or process engineering
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering
- 5+ years of hands-on experience working with cryogenic fluid systems in a professional setting or outside the classroom project team
- Demonstrated expertise in the design, build, and operation of pressurized fluid systems per ASME B31, ASME B&PV Code Section VIII, AFSPCMAN 91-710, or other applicable standards
- Experience using Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD software
- Experience using CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis programs
- Experience using python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
- Familiarity with Fluids fittings and specifications (AN/AS)
- Familiarity with instrumentation selection in severe service
- Experience operating and troubleshooting control systems required for remote operations
- Excellent written and oral communication, especially translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
- Ability to work with and lead technicians during fabrication and commissioning of systems
- Familiarity with Root-Cause Analysis and Risk Mitigation process
- Adaptability to change in direction of projects
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
- Schedules vary due to site operational needs - flexibility is required
- Ability to lift up to 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 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].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- At least 1 year of experience with fluid systems or process engineering
- Ability to pass the Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Willingness to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary
- Schedule flexibility due to site operational needs
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted
- Ability to perform physical activities including standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying
- U.S. citizenship or nationality, lawful permanent residence, refugee or asylee status, or eligibility for required U.S. Department of State authorizations under ITAR
- Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering
- Five or more years of hands-on professional or project-team experience with cryogenic fluid systems
- Expertise designing, building, and operating pressurized fluid systems under ASME B31, ASME B&PV Code Section VIII, AFSPCMAN 91-710, or applicable standards
- Experience with Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD software
- Experience with CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis software
- Experience using Python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
- Familiarity with AN/AS fluid fittings and specifications
- Familiarity with instrumentation selection for severe service
- Experience operating and troubleshooting control systems for remote operations
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including translating technical concepts for nontechnical audiences
- Ability to work with and lead technicians during system fabrication and commissioning
- Familiarity with root-cause analysis and risk-mitigation processes
- Adaptability to changing project direction
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
