Launch Engineer, Stage 0 Propellant Generation (Starship) Verified today
About the role
The Starship launch team is seeking a Launch Engineer to support launch pad fluid systems design and build, with focus on cryogenic propellant processing and generation systems for all Starship launch sites, landing sites, test sites, and production facilities.
Your responsibilities
- Analyze, design, and build systems that support critical rocket launches and testing
- Own projects cradle-to-grave: host design reviews, justify decisions, procure equipment, and coordinate construction
- Apply interdisciplinary skills in system-level process design, pressurized fluid and thermal analysis, structural engineering, materials selection, and cost/schedule optimization
- Work directly with technicians and support groups to build designs and solve real-world problems
- Maintain tight feedback loops with operations and construction teams to adapt plans for tight deadlines
- Commission and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives; iterate maintenance strategies to reduce downtime
- Execute hands-on field projects to keep launches operational
- Provide innovative solutions with minimal supervision
Basic qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, or competition team experience qualifies)
Preferred skills and experience
- Quick thinking and problem solving in time-critical situations
- Collaborative team player, enthusiastic, self-motivated with positive can-do attitude
- Acute attention to detail; ability to see system interactions and avoid problems
- Creative approach to balancing cost, schedule, and reliability
- Strong fundamental intuition of fluid, structural, and mechanical systems
- Design expertise in reliability, efficiency, and maintainability
- Hands-on experience in automotive, machining, welding, or fabrication
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team; communicate effectively
- Rapid role adaptation while maintaining high urgency in fast-paced environment
- Ability to verify designs with hand calculations; finite element analysis or computational fluid dynamics experience is a plus
- 3+ years mechanical, fluids, or thermal design experience in industrial setting or equivalent
- Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, and verification against analytical models
- Experience with high pressure and cryogenic fluid systems, components, and operations
- Experience producing fabrication drawings
- Intermediate CAD skill level (NX a plus)
- ASME piping and pressure vessel design experience
Additional requirements
- Ability to respond to emergencies supporting priority projects, missions, and launches
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, wind, rain
- Ability to work in environments with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Ability to work in tight quarters; physical dexterity required
- Ability to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights up to 300 feet with proper PPE
- Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and vendors up to 15%
ITAR requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.