Manager, Dragon Recovery Operations at SpaceX in Cape Canaveral, FL

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.

MANAGER, DRAGON RECOVERY OPERATIONS

The Manager of Dragon Recovery Operations is responsible for the overall performance of Dragon recovery within the launch and recovery department. Your organization will own all aspects of Dragon recovery operations on the east coast including include vessel operations, upgrades, repairs, mission planning and all Dragon processing from landing to handoff at the port. As a leader, you must manage and tactically lead a team of technicians and engineers to achieve SpaceX's human spaceflight goals and ISS cargo operations. You will also be responsible for managing the organization's resources, infrastructure, budget, structure, size, capabilities, assets, and processes. This opportunity will provide a chance to demonstrate a never before achieved human spaceflight capability, changing the world and space exploration forever. We are looking for a creative, well-organized, outside-the-box, technically-top notch thinker that is eager for an adventure!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overall ownership Dragon recovery missions by managing a team of approximately 15 engineers and technicians, providing technical and strategic guidance
• Responsible for the safety of astronauts and NASA critical cargo from Dragon splashdown to customer handoff
• Responsible for contacting vendors, developing field procedures, and leading recovery operations
• Improve current Dragon recovery methods by decreasing cost and increasing safety, efficiency, and reliability
• Develop Dragon landing capabilities by planning concept of operations, designing ground support equipment, and partnering with outside agencies to ensure regulatory requirements are met
• Partner with SpaceX design and operation teams to ensure flown vehicles are processed quickly and efficiently in reusability preparation
• Develop and execute on schedule and budget constraints regarding recovery missions, upgrades, and maintenance
• Ensure systems are in place to guarantee hardware readiness - including, but not limited to, preventative maintenance, critical spares, and hardware testing
• Write work orders and procedures to develop a reliable and consistent approach to Dragon recovery operations
• Interface with the Coast Guard, NASA, and other agencies to certify systems and operations for use in the field
• Train and certify personnel in use of recovery systems
• Remain synchronized with all Recovery Operations (including Falcon and Fairing) to ensure commonality in both hardware and operations where applicable

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience working with mechanical, electrical and/or fluids systems
• 1+ years of experience in the leadership of engineering projects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Offshore experience with complex naval systems
• Experience planning, executing, and improving operations involving more than 10 personnel
• 5+ years of management experience
• Strong background with hazardous chemical/material handling
• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
• Experience with complex, multi-disciplinary system assemblies
• Ability to respond accurately to challenges posed by short deadlines, under extended work hours

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to travel frequently as the job and mission requires
• Willing to work outdoors and in maritime environments
• Ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment for prolonged periods of time
• Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea
• Position may require long hours and weekend work
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Must have a valid driver's license

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.