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.
LEAD LAUNCH ENGINEER, STRUCTURES (DRAGON COMPONENT MAINTENANCE)
SpaceX is currently seeking talented individuals to lead the Dragon Component Maintenance team with a focus on components and subassemblies. As a part of the team, this individual will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions in human spaceflight manufacturing and re-usability. The Lead Launch Engineer will instruct the team to support the refurbishment and testing of composite flight hardware, including transitioning this processing to a new facility. In addition, this individual will have ownership of their work and team in all phases of component maintenance.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead a team of engineers and own engineering deliverables for the transfer of scope and existing scope focused on structural component refurbishment
- Own the hiring process, new hire training, technical/professional development, and performance review of all direct reports
- Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and floor layout to meet volume production demand
- Develop and refine integrated planning documents that are inclusive of varying hardware configurations and work scope
- Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly, system test requirements, and procedures based on lessons learned from both flight and ground operations
- Enable day to day execution on the shop floor through resolution of technical issues
- Work closely with design engineers to evaluate designs for manufacturability and implementation in a rapidly evolving production environment
- Design and develop tools to enable component processing and ensure product reliability
- Closely collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
- Work with a government or commercial customer to fulfill contractual requirements for flight hardware refurbishment
- Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
- Seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team along with the larger SpaceX workforce
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 2+ years of professional experience in production, aerospace, vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies industry
- 1+ years of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects, or people
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with quick thinking and problem-solving
- Experience fostering an environment of extremely high personal accountability and responsibility
- Understanding of other disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, piping, geotechnical, and surveying
- Experience reading, reviewing, and approving shop and fabrication drawings, blueprints, and technical manuals
- Experience with NX, FIBERSIM, FEMAP, Studio 5000, or similar analysis software
- Experience with ERP systems
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Ability to perform the following functions: standing, lifting, and carrying light weight such as materials or equipment (ability to lift up to 35 lbs. unassisted)
- Ability to perform work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, and rain
- Willing to work occasionally in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise using appropriate personal protective equipment
- Must be available to work extended hours, rotating shifts, and weekends
- Must be able to travel for business needs - up to 10%
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Lead Launch Engineer: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
