SpaceX
Launch Engineer, Ground Support Equipment (Falcon)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Launch Engineer to design and maintain ground support equipment for Falcon 9 operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base. You'll develop structural tooling, fluid systems, and mechanical equipment to support vehicle processing, integration, and launch operations while collaborating with technician teams in a fast-paced environment.
What you'll do
- Design, build, and activate structural, fluid, and mechanical ground support equipment for Falcon 9 vehicle processing and launch operations
- Perform engineering calculations, FEA analysis, and CAD design to meet internal and customer requirements
- Lead design reviews and activation testing for new ground support systems
- Conduct hands-on field work monitoring equipment build, test, and installation alongside technician teams
- Support umbilical refurbishment and flight inspection operations to maintain 99%+ system uptime
- Serve as technical liaison between SpaceX engineering, customers, and external suppliers
What they're looking for
- CAD design (NX/Teamcenter preferred)
- Finite Element Analysis (NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ANSYS, or equivalent)
- Fluid systems design and troubleshooting (pressure vessels, regulators, valves)
- Mechanical design per ASME and aerospace standards
- Python, MATLAB, or Excel programming
- Hardware fabrication, assembly, and testing
- Technical communication with non-technical audiences
- Hands-on mechanical skills (welding, automotive, robotics, or rocketry)
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
- Long-term stock incentives or cash awards
- Short and long-term disability and life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a discount
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe a hardware project you owned end-to-end outside a classroom—how did you approach design, build, and testing?
- Walk us through your experience with FEA software; what types of problems have you solved and how did you validate results?