Launch & Test Engineer, Fluids (Starship) Verified today

Launch & Test Engineer, Fluids (Starship)

SpaceX is hiring Launch & Test Engineers to design, build, activate and maintain the fluid and mechanical systems that launch the most powerful rocket in the world. You will work in an aggressively-paced, results-focused environment where your designs go from sketch to hardware in days.

You will handle systems ranging from tens of thousands of gallons per minute of cryogens to high-pressure gas flows, and develop solutions that work reliably at launch and test sites worldwide.

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
• Design modular hardware capable of being manufactured at volume for future launch sites globally
• Apply system-level process design, pressurized fluid and thermal analysis, structural engineering, materials selection and cost/schedule optimization
• Work directly with technicians and support groups to build your designs and solve real-world problems in the field
• Maintain tight feedback loop with launch operations to rapidly adapt plans and meet tight deadlines
• Activate and troubleshoot equipment to achieve design objectives and iterate maintenance strategies
• Execute hands-on field projects to keep launch operations running

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, or competition team experience qualifies)

Preferred qualifications

• Work independently and as part of a team; take initiative and communicate effectively
• Rapidly change roles and responsibilities while maintaining urgency in high-paced environments
• Quick thinking and problem solving under stress and tight deadlines
• Strong fundamental intuition of fluid, structural, or mechanical systems
• Creativity to design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability
• Hands-on experience with machining, welding, and fabrication techniques
• Experience with instrumentation, testing, data review, analysis, and verification against analytical models
• 3+ years of mechanical, fluids, or thermal design experience in industrial settings or equivalent
• Experience with high pressure and cryogenic fluid systems and components
• Experience producing fabrication drawings
• CAD proficiency (NX preferred)
• Ability to verify designs with hand calculations; FEA or CFD experience preferred
• ASME piping and pressure vessel design experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication

Working conditions and requirements

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Respond to emergencies to support priority projects and launches
• Work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Work in extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, wind, rain
• Exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Work in tight quarters with physical dexterity required
• Perform duties requiring standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, working in cramped positions, and climbing
• Lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights up to 300 feet with proper PPE

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.