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 PAD ENGINEER, FLUID SYSTEMS
SpaceX is currently seeking an individual to join the Launch Pad Engineering Team in Cape Canaveral, FL. As a member of the Launch Pad Engineering team, you will have the opportunity to utilize your multi-disciplinary knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop solutions to launch pad operations with the goal of maximizing efficiency without sacrificing safety or reliability.
While preparing the pads for launch, you will be responsible for ensuring all aspects of launch pad GSE (ground support equipment) have been properly inspected, configured, and tested to support Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy interface requirements. During integrated launch operations, you will be responsible for leading a team of technicians on the pads through operational procedures resulting in successful, on-time launches.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as the responsible engineer for one or multiple launch pad fluid systems including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems
- Utilize knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, controls, and instrumentation to troubleshoot issues present in various launch pad systems
- Work with, and direct, a skilled technician workforce to carry out troubleshooting, maintenance activities, upgrades, and operational procedures
- Contribute to the development and improvement of the functional automation relating to the fluid system(s) for which you are responsible
- Identify and implement upgrades to launch pad hardware, software, and procedures – drive continuous improvement in these areas by interfacing regularly with various teams across SpaceX
- Develop and perform post launch data review for your respective system(s), both automated and manual
- Serve as the lead engineer for the pads during refurbishment and launch operations
- Represent SpaceX by presenting certification packages and engineering data to U.S. government agencies
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of professional experience working with fluid, mechanical, or low voltage electrical systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns
- Experience using and troubleshooting control systems for remote operations and instrumentation feedback
- Experience using CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis programs
- Experience using SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or similar CAD software
- Experience using python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
- Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases & fluids, etc.)
- Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid, pneumatic valves)
- Knowledge of engineering standards and best practices such as ASME B31.3, ASME BPV Code Section VIII, and AFSPCMAN 91-710
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Strong work ethic and drive to for constant improvement balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work weekends and night shifts as needed
- Ability to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
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 mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, physics, computer science, or another engineering discipline
- At least 1 year of professional experience working with fluid, mechanical, or low-voltage electrical systems
- Ability to work weekends and night shifts as needed
- Ability to travel to other launch sites, up to 15%
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
- U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylee status, or eligibility for required ITAR authorizations
- Experience at a rocket launch or test facility supporting launch or test campaigns
- Experience troubleshooting control systems for remote operations and instrumentation feedback
- Experience with CAESAR II or similar pipe stress analysis software
- Experience with SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, or similar CAD software
- Experience using Python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
- Experience testing and operating hazardous systems, including high-pressure, high-energy, hazardous gas, or fluid systems
- Familiarity with instrumentation and control components
- Knowledge of ASME B31.3, ASME BPV Code Section VIII, and AFSPCMAN 91-710
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Strong work ethic, continuous-improvement mindset, and ability to work effectively in a team
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.
