Launch Operations Engineer (Starship) jobs in United States
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SpaceX · 10 hours ago

Launch Operations Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Launch Operations Engineer (Starship) is responsible for the entire operational process, including developing test requirements, launch plans, and performing on-console operations during launch events.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel
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Responsibilities

Serve as on-console flight controllers during launch events
Test integrated rocket hardware to determine suitability for flight
Provide on-console engineering support for technicians during daily test/launch stand operations
Write and review control logic/automation for test & launch systems
Perform real-time and post-op data review to evaluate the performance of launch/test article and stand systems (software, fluid, structural, thermal, electrical). This includes documenting operational results and recommending areas for upgrades and improvement
Find innovative ways to create, review, and optimize test & launch processes/procedures to increase launch system capability and rate
Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards; then work to resolve these by collaborating with design, production, and ground system engineers on improvements for flight hardware and processes
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

Qualification

Mechanical engineeringAerospace engineeringComplex system controlData analysis toolsRoot cause analysisTechnical proceduresHands-on experienceInterpersonal skillsSelf-driven motivationTeamwork

Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)
Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
Stand: Up to 1 hour per day
Sit: Up to 10 hours per day
Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
Kneel/Crouch: Up to 1 hour per day
Upper body twist: Up to 1 hour per day
Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees, up to 3 hours per day
Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description
Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review
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

Preferred

3+ years of hands-on experience with complex and/or low-margin mechanical, structural, fluid, and electronic systems
Ability to thrive in ambiguous requirements and aggressive timelines
High levels of personal autonomy and self-driven motivation
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)
High level of familiarity with complex system control and instrumentation
Experience with analytical data review tools and numerical methods to solve real-world problems (Python, R, MATLAB, NI LabVIEW)
Demonstrated experience in effective root cause and failure analysis
Experience writing and optimizing high-risk technical procedures and work instructions
Ability to read, understand, and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics, and design specifications

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