Launch Operations Engineer (Starship)

About the role

SpaceX’s launch operations team at Starbase, TX pushes hardware to its limits in flight‑like conditions to ensure vehicle quality and enable a high launch cadence. Launch Operations Engineers are responsible for the entire operational process, including developing test requirements, launch plans, integrating on‑pad flight/test articles, performing on‑console operation of the launch system, conducting tests, analyzing data, and serving as primary flight controllers for launch events.

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 performance of launch/test article and stand systems (software, fluid, structural, thermal, electrical), document results, and recommend upgrades.
• 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; collaborate with design, production, and ground system engineers to resolve them.
• Serve as the final authority to ensure all operations are conducted safely.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, aerospace engineering, or another engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of hands‑on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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; effective teamwork with limited resources at a rapid pace.
• Demonstrated history of working safely with hazardous systems (high pressure, high voltage, cryogenic, toxic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric).
• High familiarity with complex system control and instrumentation.
• Experience with analytical data review tools and numerical methods (Python, R, MATLAB, NI LabVIEW).
• Effective root‑cause and failure analysis experience.
• Experience writing and optimizing high‑risk technical procedures and work instructions.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical drawings, data reports, mechanical and electrical schematics, and design specifications.

Additional Requirements

• Physical dexterity required for work in tight quarters.
• Exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and occasional extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain).
• Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required.
• Physical activity estimates:
  • Stand: up to 1 hour per day
  • Sit: up to 10 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: up to 50 lb (unassisted) for 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 50 lb (unassisted) for 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 °F for up to 3 hours per day
• Capability to work safely at heights up to 500 ft, in confined spaces, and operating heavy equipment and machinery.
• May be required to complete a pre‑employment questionnaire and/or physical examination, including a medical history review.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be one of the following: U.S. citizen or national; U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder); refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157; asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158; or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.