Space Operations Engineer

SPACE OPERATIONS ENGINEER 

Are you passionate about human spaceflight? Do you enjoy complex technical systems and thrive in stressful situations? Can you mentally decompose complicated operations methodically into concise steps? If you are a collaborative engineer excited to advance the future of human spaceflight, being a Space Operations Engineer is the challenge you've been looking for. 

The SpaceX operations team is revolutionizing spaceflight operations for our current and future missions: Cargo and Crew Dragon, private astronaut flights, and interplanetary exploration. The team is responsible for all facets of the safe and efficient transport of astronauts and cargo in space. As a space operations development engineer for Crew Starship, you will be responsible for developing the detailed concept of operations and resulting products the ground controllers and flight crew will need to execute the mission. You will train as a spacecraft flight controller and fill critical real-time operations roles on cargo and crew missions, while driving continuous improvement in the efficacy and reliability of mission preparation tools and processes. You will develop future operations plans and products the ground controllers and flight crew will use for Starship operations to the moon, Mars, and beyond. 

Spacecraft operations requires mental dexterity, a rigorous technical understanding of the spacecraft’s systems, and a deep understanding of contingency scenarios. You will be responsible for successfully executing human spaceflight missions and for achieving our goal of making life interplanetary. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop mission plans, operational procedures, and other real-time products for Crew Starship missions in coordination with SpaceX responsible engineers 
• Support mission preparations as the operations expert for a vehicle system 
• Support operations coordination with technical and programmatic contacts at SpaceX and NASA 
• Train for and operate human and cargo spaceflight missions  
• Develop, champion, and lead special projects to advance the state of SpaceX operations 
• Support operations and content development for Crew Starship  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline
• 2+ years of experience in engineering test, integration, or flight operations (industry internships and project teams qualify)
• Real time operations experience on a system that has high consequences in the event of failure (such as pilot, flight test engineer, spacecraft operator, high performance automotive, etc.)
• Experience utilizing software tools (Python, C++, Java, Matlab, etc.)
• Previous experience in one or more of the following fields:
  • Avionics and software systems
  • Fluid systems and fluid dynamics
  • Mechanisms and kinematics
  • Communication systems and electromagnetism
  • Orbit and attitude dynamics 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master's degree in an engineering or science discipline 
• 1+ years of demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary teams and/or projects (informal project management experience or university club technical management qualifies) 
• Technical knowledge of spacecraft systems and operations (e.g. communications, orbital mechanics, avionics, propulsion, thermal control, life support systems) 
• Knowledge of basic orbital mechanics 
• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills 
• Previous experience in a customer-facing role working through design requirements, test acceptance, and verification (a bonus for working with a government customer such as NASA) 
• Previous experience working with interdisciplinary teams to solve complex problems 
• Self-motivated with proven leadership skills 
• Able to effectively manage numerous projects and tasks at a time, while meeting aggressive deadlines 
• Thrives under pressure and is resilient in the face of technical challenges 
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills 
• Insatiable hunger for continuous improvement and self-motivated to challenge the status quo 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be willing to travel as needed (approximately 5% of time) 
• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends to support mission operations and critical project timelines 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    

Space Operations Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year   

Space Operations Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.