Launch Engineer - Vehicle Controller Verified today

About the Role

You will develop launch day concept of operations, automation systems, and software for the Nova launch vehicle. You'll coordinate with engineering teams to ensure seamless transition from ground operations through launch, flight, and handoff to orbital or recovery operations.

This role requires expertise in both software engineering and aerospace propulsion systems, including tanks and structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine automation and software to support test and mission operations, streamlining test and launch day processes.
• Work closely with Vehicle Release Engineers to enable test and launch operations for the integrated vehicle.
• Operate and build systems that monitor telemetry from Nova and assess real-time launch commit criteria.
• Collaborate with Kent, Moses Lake, and Launch Site teams to streamline integrated vehicle testing through launch site processing and operations.
• Aggregate and synthesize engineering inputs from subject matter experts to inform critical decision-making.
• Advise Mission Operations Engineering on launch sequence adjustments and anomaly resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement of launch day concept of operations to increase operational efficiency and mission success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a related aerospace field.
• Experience in vehicle automation, telemetry analysis, and operational command and control.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting high pressure fluid systems or cryogenic systems.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or avionics systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills in high-stakes, real-time environments.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with multidisciplinary teams and provide guidance under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in mission operations, launch systems, or a related aerospace field.
• Expertise in reusable launch systems.
• Familiarity with mission control software and systems integration.
• Experience developing launch commit criteria and real-time response protocols.

Compensation

Target salary ranges by level:

• Level 3: $123,000 - $184,400
• Level 4: $144,100 - $240,100
• Level 5: $168,100 - $312,200

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

Benefits

• Equity in the form of stock options for all regular, full-time employees.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (subsidized).
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• 4 weeks' paid time off.
• 10 paid holidays (including end-of-year closure).
• Paid family and parental leave.
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location).

Eligibility

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 completion of reference and background checks, proof of identity, and work authorization in the U.S. You must complete an I-9 employment eligibility verification form and comply with E-Verify requirements.