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,…