Sr. Launch Engineer, Stage 0 Propellant Generation (Starship) Verified today
About the Role
The Starship launch team needs a Sr. Launch Engineer to support launch pad fluid systems design and build, with focus on cryogenic propellant processing and generation systems for Starship launch sites, landing sites, test sites, and production facilities.
What You Will Do
- 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 of your designs
- Apply system-level process design, detailed 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 in the field
- Maintain tight feedback loops with operations and construction teams to rapidly adjust plans for tight deadlines
- Activate, commission, and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives and iterate maintenance strategies
- Take a hands-on approach to daily field projects that keep the company launching rockets
- Provide innovative solutions with minimal supervision
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 5+ years of hands-on build or design experience
Preferred Experience and Skills
- 3+ years of mechanical, fluids, or thermal design experience in an industrial setting or equivalent
- Experience with high pressure and cryogenic fluid systems, components, and operations
- Strong fundamental intuition of fluid and structural/mechanical systems
- Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review and analysis, verification against analytical models
- Ability to verify designs with simplified hand calculations; finite element analysis or computational fluid dynamics experience a plus
- Intermediate CAD skills (NX a plus)
- ASME piping and pressure vessel design experience
- Experience producing drawings for fabrication
- Hands-on experience with automotive, machining, welding, and other fabrication techniques
- Quick thinking and problem-solving in time-critical situations
- Collaborative, self-motivated team player with acute attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and rapidly change roles while maintaining high urgency
Working Conditions
- Work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility required
- Respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
- Work in extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, wind, rain
- Exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Work in tight quarters requiring physical dexterity
- Lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights up to 300 feet with proper PPE
- Willing to travel to other SpaceX sites and vendors up to 15%
- Able to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
ITAR Eligibility
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), 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.