Launch Engineer - Ground Operations

Skills

About the Role

You will take ownership of a dedicated launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, developing, commissioning, and operating new ground launch systems from scratch. You will serve as a key member of the ground operations team for test and orbital launch campaigns, handling engineering, procedures, integration, commissioning, operations, and on-console control. As part of a small, well-supported team, you'll get hands-on access to the resources you need while rapidly growing your skills. You'll need to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn quickly on the job.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a test site operations engineer, launch site operations engineer, ground controller, and/or flight vehicle controller or equivalent experience with similar high-performance applications (aircraft, missile systems, naval, oil & gas, energy systems, etc.)
• Strong engineering fundamentals across multiple disciplines (thermodynamics, fluids, software, electrical, and/or structures)
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement solutions real time
• Ability to architect launch automation logic & sequencing and an understanding of software state machine applications
• Experience utilizing and enforcing EHS policies including fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, job site safety, hazmat, and waste streams
• Experience operating and calibrating EHS tools utilized in a launch complex environment including hazardous gas detectors, FLIR cameras, and sound meters
• Willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time to Stoke HQ and Moses Lake Test Site
• Ability to prioritize and execute
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar field
• Willing to relocate to Cape Canaveral, FL
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (ITAR)

Responsibilities

• Perform on-console control of launch ground systems
• Own launch readiness, day-of launch console operations, and test and launch campaigns for ground systems
• Serve as main point of contact for anomaly investigations and own anomaly response and closure for ground systems
• Develop, maintain, and execute procedures, control logic, and automation sequencing for ground systems
• Develop and implement test plans and procedures, complete data reviews, and oversee launch readiness reviews for launch site operations
• Perform real time and post operation data reviews for the ground systems
• Work closely with vehicle software team and help architect launch automation
• Coordinate with multiple departments and disciplines to ensure the launch complex is ready to receive, process, integrate and operate high cadence flight hardware
• Develop, build, operate, and maintain supporting launch facilities including launch control center
• Continuously improve launch operations and functions to enable high-cadence launch and recovery operations
• Provide engineering expertise, oversight, and hands-on support during day-to-day site operations
• Serve as on-console support or pad lead for day-to-day launch pad operations
• Ensure operations follow industry best practices and EHS policies, working with EHS to optimize safety policies and reduce risk to personnel

Benefits

• Equity in the form of stock options
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks' Paid Time Off
• 10 paid holidays including an end-of-year closure
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend
• Dog friendly offices