Launch Engineer, Structures (Dragon) jobs in United States
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SpaceX · 6 hours ago

Launch Engineer, Structures (Dragon)

SpaceX is a pioneering aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company. They are seeking a Launch Engineer for the Dragon team, responsible for managing the integration, testing, and operational procedures for Crew/Cargo Dragon flight hardware and collaborating with various engineering teams to ensure successful missions.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel
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Responsibilities

Develop and execute procedures for the integration, test and operation of Crew/Cargo Dragon flight hardware
Develop and execute procedures for the checkout and integration of Dragon ground support equipment
Responsible for enabling day-to-day execution of mission-specific launch site and vehicle processing activities, including but not limited to thermal protection system closeout for flight, capsule transport, integration of Dragon to trunk, integration of Dragon to Falcon, and post-flight TPS removal/time-sensitive maintenance
Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly, system test requirements and procedures based on lessons learned from both flight and ground operations
Manage work orders and the driving of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements
Maintain large integrated planning documents that are inclusive of varying capsule/hardware configurations and work scope
Design and develop tools to enable vehicle processing and ensure vehicle testing abilities
Closely collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis
Work with a government or commercial customer on pre- and post- flight preparations for human spaceflight
Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals
Seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team along with the larger SpaceX workforce
Communicate vehicle status to a broad audience in readiness reviews and daily updates

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringVehicle IntegrationComposite Structures3D CAD SoftwareTest ProceduresProblem SolvingTeam CollaborationCommunication Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline
1+ years of experience with hardware development, vehicle integration or refurbishment, manufacturing, pressurized systems, or operations (internship and project experience applies)
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
Ability to rotate to a night shift when needed for test campaigns and mission-critical operations
Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
50-hour work weeks are typical, schedule varies depending on site operational needs, flexibility required
Physical effort including standing, lifting and carrying materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs.)
Comfortable being trained to work around hypergolic propellants (MMH and NTO) and willing to work with hazardous materials
Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
Must be willing to travel
Must be willing to work outdoors

Preferred

2+ years of industry experience (automotive, aviation or spacecraft manufacturing) working with composite structures and/or large mechanical assemblies
1+ years experience with advanced composites manufacturing processes (out-of-autoclave prepreg processing, drilling and routing of composites, structural adhesives) for large scale, primary structures in a production environment
Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles
Experience working with hypergolic propellants
Experience working with high pressure and electrical systems
Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
Experience in mechanical component and/or tooling design analysis using 3D CAD software
Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA)
Familiarity with test procedures and non-destructive evaluation of structural composites
Proficiency in or hands-on experience with one or more of the following: Launch vehicle or spacecraft integration, Operations in 100,000 class or better clean rooms, Test operations with gases/fluids, Data acquisition setup and field measurements
Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people

Company

SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$11.78B
Key Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M

Leadership Team

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Bret Johnsen
CFO
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Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
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Company data provided by crunchbase