SpaceX

Launch Engineer, Dragon

SpaceX • $80K — $95K *
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or related field
  • 1+ years of experience in hardware development, vehicle integration, or related operations, including internships
  • 3+ years of industry experience in manufacturing or large assemblies preferred
  • Hands-on experience with high-pressure fluid systems, avionics, structures, and mechanisms
  • Ability to apply first-principles reasoning to engineering problems
  • Proficiency in reading and analyzing fluid and electrical schematics
  • Acute attention to detail with problem-solving under pressure

Responsibilities

  • Develop and improve procedures for vehicle integration and testing
  • Lead mission-specific launch site and vehicle processing activities
  • Evaluate vehicle requirements and define work scope for maintenance
  • Manage work orders and drive non-conformances to resolution
  • Investigate and resolve vehicle and test equipment failures
  • Design and develop tools to optimize vehicle processing and testing
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge spaceflight technology
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Enhanced career development through hands-on experience
  • Ability to contribute to pioneering human spaceflight operations
  • Engagement in challenging projects with high impact on space missions
Full Job Description
LAUNCH ENGINEER, DRAGON

SpaceX is seeking exceptional candidates for a Launch Engineer position on the Dragon Integration team. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise, hands-on experience, and creative problem-solving to develop solutions that advance human spaceflight operations and vehicle reusability. You will play a critical part in the maintenance, testing, and readiness of Dragon Spacecraft designed to safely transport crew and cargo to and from Low Earth Orbit. We are looking for engineers with deep expertise in Structures, Fluids, or Test backgrounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop, execute, and continuously improve procedures for the integration, testing, and operation of Crew and Cargo Dragon flight hardware and associated ground support equipment (GSE)
  • Lead day-to-day execution of mission-specific launch site and vehicle processing activities, ensuring safe and efficient readiness for flight
  • Evaluate flight vehicle requirements and define work scope for capsule maintenance and processing campaigns
  • Manage work orders, drive non-conformances to resolution, and implement system improvements while maintaining accurate integrated planning documents across various vehicle configurations
  • Investigate and resolve vehicle, GSE, and test equipment failures by dispositioning issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective and preventive actions
  • Design and develop hardware and software tools that enable and optimize vehicle processing and test operations
  • Collaborate daily with cross-functional engineering teams and skilled technicians
  • Clearly communicate vehicle status and priorities to a broad audience during readiness reviews and daily updates

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, structural assembly, test operations, or related operations (internship and project experience accepted)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 3+ years of industry experience in automotive, aviation, or spacecraft manufacturing working with large integrated assemblies
  • Hands-on experience with high-pressure fluid systems, avionics, structures, and mechanisms
  • Experience writing test plans/procedures and executing integrated system tests
  • Proficiency reading fluid and electrical schematics to analyze and improve test coverage, with the ability to verify designs using simplified hand calculations (FEA or CFD a plus)
  • Mechanical component and tooling design experience using 3D CAD (intermediate proficiency; NX preferred), including producing fabrication drawings and applying DFMA principles
  • Ability to apply first-principles reasoning to engineering problems, question requirements, and delete parts or process steps
  • Hands-on fabrication skills including machining (mill/lathe), welding, and 3D printing
  • Experience using AI coding tools to accelerate scripting, automation, and software development
  • Acute attention to detail with the ability to identify cross-system interactions and prevent issues, paired with strong problem-solving and decision-making under tight deadlines and high-stress conditions
  • Collaborative team player who communicates clearly across diverse groups, works effectively both independently and in teams, and balances cost, schedule, and technical performance
  • Positive, adaptable attitude with the ability to rapidly shift priorities, maintain high urgency in a fast-paced environment, and support efficient operations as needed

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Space Force background check for work at Cape Canaveral, Florida
  • Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for extended periods and lifting/carrying materials or equipment weighing 15-35 lbs
  • Willingness to be trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and to handle hazardous materials
  • Ability to maintain high concentration and perform effectively in a high-stress environment that may involve prolonged focus and extended work hours
  • Willingness to work outdoors as required
  • Travel may be required to provide support to critical Starship or AI related projects within the company
  • Flexibility to support typical 60-hour work weeks and varying schedules based on operational needs


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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
Learn more about SpaceX
Size
8,000 employees
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
2002
* Ladders Estimates

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