About this role
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 ENGINEER (STARSHIP RANGE OPS)
As a Recovery Operations Engineer, you will focus on range management and mission readiness for vehicle recovery. In this role, you will develop new standard operating procedures for vehicle recovery and processing, build partnerships with airspace and maritime regulatory agencies to ensure clear communication, write test plans and procedures to improve recovery efficiency for future missions, and take full ownership to recover Super Heavy boosters and Starships safely and successfully.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Perform 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, meteorological, and air assets, including mechanical, electrical, or control systems
• Provide on-console engineering support during launch and major ground test and launch 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
• Use AI tools to develop and deploy program and process efficiencies for the team
• Serve as a recovery and range controller for launch and re-entry operations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, naval, marine, electrical, operations, or systems engineering
• 1+ years of experience building, maintaining, and modifying mechanical or electrical hardware
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications
• 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