Ground Systems Engineer, Asset Engineering

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER, ASSET ENGINEERING 

Building a performance defining vehicle like Starship requires immense amounts of prop system production, acceptance, and qualification testing. These campaigns not only look to test component level hardware in-flight like conditions, but they require large and thought through supply systems to get them what they need, and without fail.

As a ground systems engineer you will be directly responsible for the design, build, integration, and sustainment of system-level cryogenic and high pressure infrastructure across programs. These systems require precise capacity analysis, robust operational design, and are calculated to sustain high energy and high-volume test campaigns with little to no interruption. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the responsible engineer for one or multiple fluids ground systems including compressible, incompressible, and/or cryogenic fluid systems.
• Use knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluids dynamics, controls, and instrumentation to analyze, design and document new and existing production systems.
• Manage interdisciplinary teams to design, build, activate, and maintain fluids engineering projects from requirements definition through obsolescence.
• Identify, design, and implement fluids system upgrades, including changes to components, system, software, and process – driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with and develop relationships with production/build teams to anticipate fluids system needs and provide recommendations on process design for manufacturability.
• Work alongside and assist a skilled technician workforce in providing day-to-day ground systems support including testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and upgrades.
• Provide expertise, insight, and recommendations on pressurized components and safe operation of pressure systems to multiple teams across the company.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or aerospace engineering
• Experience with fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and/or process engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate
• Advanced degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering
• 5+ years of hands-on experience working with cryogenic fluid systems in a professional setting or outside the classroom project team
• Demonstrated expertise designing and operating fluid systems
• Experience using and troubleshooting control systems for remote operations and instrumentation feedback
• Experience testing and operating with or around hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases & fluids, etc.
• PLC programming experience – Siemens preferred
• Experience using CAD capability for 3D modeling (NX, SolidWorks)
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and manager
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
• Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multidisciplinary team of technicians and engineers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General physical fitness is required for some work areas, hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required, also the ability to lift heavy objects >25lbs
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs, flexibility required

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.