Recovery Engineer (Starship Range Ops)

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 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

Experience with launch, aviation, or maritime operational environment

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

Ability to pass an Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

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

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.

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 reach out to [email protected].