Job Information
SpaceX Recovery Operations Engineer (Starship) Starbase, Texas
Recovery Operations Engineer (Starship) at SpaceX
Starbase, TX
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.
RECOVERY OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
As a Recovery Operations Engineer you will be focused on range management and vehicle recovery mission readiness. In this role, you will lead a team supporting offshore operations to troubleshoot, plan repairs, inform hardware improvements, improve maintenance, and verify mission readiness of mission specific recovery ground support equipment. You will be responsible for developing novel standard operating procedures for vehicle recovery and processing, cultivating partnerships with airspace and maritime regulatory agencies to ensure high-level communication, writing test plans and procedures to improve recovery efficiency for future missions, and taking extreme ownership to successfully recover and safe Super Heavy boosters and Starships.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support operational engineering duties for SpaceX’s Starship Range and Recovery efforts
Lead a team of engineers and technicians performing offshore Starship Recovery operations
Perform troubleshooting, upgrades, and system maintenance on hardware deployed on terrestrial, maritime, and air assets including mechanical, electrical, or control systems
Provide on-console engineering support during launch and major ground test operations
Identify areas of operational improvement, and work with design teams to develop and implement innovative new solutions to the range and recovery efforts
Develop work instructions to support ongoing operations, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and vendor contracts
Provide critical program information and interface with external parties/programs (FAA, USCG, etc.) to ensure compliance and alignment with the Starship program goals
Serve as the final authority to ensure all operations are conducted in a safe manner
Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, naval, marine, electrical or systems engineering
1+ years of experience building, maintaining, and modifying mechanical or electrical hardware; or 1+ years of experience of managing compliance or contracts in the aerospace/marine field
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
High levels of personal autonomy and self-driven motivation
Ability to thrive in ambiguous requirements and aggressive timelines
Experience troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical/electrical systems and associated control hardware
Experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining large complex mechanical or electrical systems
Testing experience including setting test objectives, writing test plans, and executing hands-on testing
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
Demonstrated history of working efficiently with hazardous systems (high pressure, high voltage, cryogenic, toxic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric)
Demonstrated experience of effective root cause and failure analysis
Ability to read, understand and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications
Experience working and building hardware in an offshore and/or marine environment
Experience interfacing with government and regulatory bodies
Experience in drafting and reviewing legal agreements and processes
Experience operating and troubleshooting remote-operated ground control systems
Experience with critical operations where real-time decision-making affected success criteria
Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to support offshore operations and willing to work offshore for extended duration without access to emergency services normally available on shore
Ability to climb ladders, work at height, and work in tight/confined spaces
Hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
Willing to work with hazardous materials
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, climbing hand over hand, and lifting 25 lbs.
Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
Must be willing to travel
Ability to operate heavy machinery
Ability to pass offshore physical fitness testing if required
Position is subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Recovery Operations Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Recovery Operations Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year
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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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 (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .
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.