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Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Falcon) Verified today

SpaceX · Vandenberg, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-08-12
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Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Falcon)

SpaceX is seeking a ground systems engineer for the Falcon Integration team at Vandenberg. You will design, build, and activate fluid and mechanical systems required to support Falcon 9 vehicle processing, spacecraft integration, and umbilical refurbishment.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and activate equipment for vehicle processing and launch, including structural, tooling, fixtures, fluids, and transport equipment
  • Support Stage 1, Stage 2, Fairing, and launch site payload operations, with focus on vehicle interface tooling for structural and fluid connections
  • Support flight inspection and refurbishment of pad operation umbilicals
  • Use hand calculations, finite element analyses (FEA), and computer-aided design (CAD) to meet internal and customer requirements
  • Lead design reviews and activation testing
  • Serve as technical interface to customers and suppliers
  • Participate hands-on in ground system build and test alongside skilled technician teams
  • Collaborate on critical operations involving mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
  • Provide continuing engineering and production support to maintain 99%+ system uptime

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years hands-on hardware experience in fabrication, assembly, and/or testing

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • NX/Teamcenter design experience for parts and assemblies
  • CAD and FEA software packages (professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)
  • Commercial FEA or multiphysics simulation (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, CFD codes)
  • Demonstrated ownership of hardware or systems in an integrated engineering team outside classroom (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal ventures)
  • Analytical/scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, Excel)
  • Hands-on experience designing, troubleshooting, and working with complex fluid systems including pressure vessels, filters, relief valves, manual valves, regulators, and gauges
  • Expertise in design and operation of fluids systems per ASME B31.3 and ASME B&PV Code Section VIII, or mechanical systems per AFSPCMAN 91-710, ASME B30, ASME BTH-1, NASA-STD-5005
  • Excellent written and oral communication, translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
  • General hands-on mechanical experience in welding, automotive, robotics, or rocketry
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, autonomously driven, demanding atmosphere
  • Adaptability to changes in strategic direction

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA
  • Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment (15 to 30 lbs)
  • Mental fitness to work in high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged concentration, potentially under extended work hours
  • Flexibility on shifts
  • Occasional travel may be required

Compensation

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000 to $130,000
Level 2: $115,000 to $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 also be eligible for long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan participation. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; paid parental leave; 3 weeks paid vacation; 10+ paid holidays per year; and paid sick leave per company policy.