Launch Engineer, Control & Flight Operations (Falcon Launch Ops) Verified today

Launch Engineer, Control & Flight Operations (Falcon Launch Ops)

Join the Falcon launch control team at Vandenberg Space Force Base. You will serve as an on-console shift operator supporting launch and pad operations for all three Falcon launch complexes: SLC-4E, SLC-40, and L-39A. You will develop and maintain the Ground Software automation that forms the backbone of these operations, continuously improving reliability, efficiency, and robustness. You will train to qualify as a copilot and pilot controller for day-of-launch activities, applying multidisciplinary first-principles engineering to rapidly understand, communicate, and resolve issues across pad, vehicle, and automation systems in high-stakes, time-critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Work as an on-console shift operator for all launch operations and pad refurbishment preparations
• Develop and maintain SpaceX Ground Software automation that runs as the backbone of launch operations, continuously improving reliability, efficiency, and robustness
• Work with field technicians via radio communications to accomplish operations and troubleshoot faulty hardware and data
• Train and acquire knowledge and skills to qualify as a copilot and pilot controller for day-of-launch operations
• Apply multidisciplinary, first-principles engineering to understand, communicate, and resolve real-time issues for any subsystem on the pad, rocket, or automation in time-critical environments
• Identify and proactively implement improvements to automation or procedures that enable smoother operations, reduce manual intervention, and prevent human error
• Support 24/7 operations by rotating between day and night shifts

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other engineering discipline
• 1 or more years of experience working with fluid, pressurized, or electrical systems

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working on rocket launch and test facilities or rocket flight hardware
• Experience with SpaceX Ground Software architecture
• Experience interacting with control systems via GUI or console setup
• Experience troubleshooting and reviewing data to diagnose unhealthy or nonconforming hardware
• Familiarity with controls and instrumentation hardware: valves, transducers, regulators, RTDs
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate clearly in time-critical environments

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Vandenberg
• Willingness to work weekends and night shifts as launch manifest dictates
• Willingness to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities; up to 15% travel
• Physical dexterity required for work in tight quarters on flight hardware
• Ability to perform job duties requiring standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions and small openings, and climbing hand over hand
• Comfort working in outdoor environments for system troubleshooting

Compensation

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000 - $130,000
Level 2: $115,000 - $160,000

Actual level and base salary determined case-by-case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of total rewards. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and employee stock purchase plan discounts. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; and various discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave accrual follows company policy and satisfies legal requirements.

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. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.