Operations Engineer, Range Safety (Starship)

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.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER, RANGE SAFETY (STARSHIP)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Find solutions to launch operations scenarios that enable SpaceX to achieve launch through RF spectrum allocations, airspace management, maritime safety, GPS, other range sensors and launch range environments

• Interface with FAA, USCG, USSF, USAF, and other local/state/federal government agencies

• Lead interdepartmental coordination with external entities to ensure all regulatory requirements are met to successfully launch an orbital class launch vehicle

• Validate and verify range requirements for launching from federal and commercial ranges

• Provide program management on contract agreements with government agencies and commercial contractors for range support services

• Implement the safety policies by managing the day-to-day interactions required for flight hardware processing flows from an external safety organization perspective

• Advise on best practices and strategy to eliminate conflicts entirely with partners and drive to conclusion – through hardware upgrades, policy changes and direct coordination

• Own and have responsibility over all aspects of SpaceX launches that require coordination with external partners

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, manufacturing, mathematics, or physics

• 2+ years of professional experience with aerospace systems or operations engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Professional experience working directly with various U.S. government agencies, including but not limited to:

• Federal Aviation Administration

• United States Space Force

• United States Air Force

• United States Navy

• United States Coast Guard

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• Department of State

• Local/County/State governments

• Professional experience working with Range Commanders Council (RCC), Universal Documentation System (UDS) and Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) operations

• Professional experience with system integration or system design requirement gathering and testing (past work experience, internships, team/personal projects with aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, marine assemblies qualify)

• Experience in writing test plans and test procedures

• Experience operating in or managing assets in the FAA national airspace system

• Experience with coordination navigation plans for aircraft and/or maritime vessels

• Basic understanding of orbital mechanics for rocket launching and satellite constellation infrastructure

• Familiarity with orbital class rocket ground and flight hardware integration timelines

• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• Ability to work well in a team environment and ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people

• Having a strong capability for patience and strong level of emotional intelligence, empathy to deal with difficult situations and conversations

• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work at elevated heights and/or tight spaces

• Must be willing to travel, potentially for extended periods of time

• Must be available to work extended hours, nights and weekends when required by mission milestones

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral

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].