Launch Engineer - Ground Operations Verified today

About the Role

You will develop, commission, and operate launch ground systems from scratch for Nova, our fully reusable launch vehicle. As a launch operations engineer for our dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, you will be part of a small, well-supported team responsible for engineering, procedures, integration, commissioning, operations, and on-console control. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

What You Will Do

• Perform on-console control of launch ground systems
• Own launch readiness, day-of launch console operations, and test and launch campaigns for ground systems
• Serve as main point of contact for anomaly investigations and own anomaly response and closure
• Develop, maintain, and execute procedures, control logic, and automation sequencing for ground systems
• Develop and implement test plans and procedures; complete data reviews; oversee launch readiness reviews
• Perform real-time and post-operation data reviews for ground systems
• Work closely with vehicle software team to architect launch automation
• Coordinate across multiple departments and disciplines to ensure the launch complex is ready for high-cadence operations
• Develop, build, operate, and maintain supporting launch facilities including launch control center
• Continuously improve launch operations to enable high-cadence launch and recovery
• Provide engineering expertise and hands-on support during day-to-day site operations
• Serve as on-console support or pad lead for launch pad operations
• Ensure operations follow industry best practices and EHS policies; work with EHS to optimize safety and reduce risk

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, flight vehicle controller, or equivalent in high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil and gas, energy systems)
• Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (thermodynamics, fluids, software, electrical, structures)
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions in real time
• Ability to architect launch automation logic and sequencing; understanding of software state machine applications
• Experience utilizing and enforcing EHS policies including fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, job site safety, hazmat, and waste streams
• Experience operating and calibrating EHS tools in launch complex environments (hazardous gas detectors, FLIR cameras, sound meters)
• Willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time to Stoke HQ and Moses Lake Test Site
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field
• Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to prioritize, execute, lead, and follow

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, or flight vehicle controller or equivalent
• Experience with hazardous operations including high-pressure gas systems, cryogenic liquid systems, high-power systems, and/or explosive ordnance
• Experience performing hazardous analyses for cryogenic and high-pressure gas systems
• Experience with integration of software, electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems in test and operations
• Experience with data acquisition and control systems and sensing elements (pressure, temperature, accelerometers, load cells, infrared, optical, strain gauges, flow meters)
• Proficiency with Python programming language
• Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710, MSPSP, HazOp range requirements, and DoD explosive siting for launch vehicle programs
• Experience working with 45th SW, 30th SW, NASA, and other government agencies
• Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field

Compensation and Benefits

Target base salary ranges:

• Level 2: $109,725 to $148,470
• Level 3: $129,150 to $193,620

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Benefits include equity (stock options for regular full-time employees), subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, 4 weeks paid time off, 10 paid holidays, paid family and parental leave, on-site gym or monthly wellness stipend, and dog-friendly offices.

US Person and Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Employment is contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks and proof of work authorization in the U.S. This position requires access to technology and technical data restricted under U.S. export control laws.