Booster Recovery Engineer, Long Beach

Company: SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Location: Long Beach
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

BOOSTER RECOVERY ENGINEER, LONG BEACHSpaceX operates the world's first automated unmanned vessel certified to land orbital-class vehicles. This role has the opportunity to work with an elite team to develop and execute the processing operations of a landed Falcon 9 booster. Recovering and reflying rockets is historic and has changed the rocket industry for the future---and you could be a part of that team.RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own overall mission campaigns to process Falcon 9 boosters at the Port of Long Beach
• Develop procedures, test plans, and concept of operations for Falcon 9 booster processing
• Drive more efficient operations to improve Falcon 9 recovery cost and hardware health for improved refurbishment timelines
• Resolve blockers to operations in the field and make real-time decisions to keep team moving
• Design, build, and test new ground support equipment in support of improving recovery operations
• Ensure systems are in place to guarantee hardware readiness - including, but not limited to, preventative maintenance, critical spares, and hardware testing
• Remain synchronized with all recovery operations on both coasts to ensure commonality in both hardware and operations where applicable
• Interface between Launch Teams, Vehicle Refurbishment, Flight Hardware Logistics and Recovery to improve overall strategies with Falcon 9 ReuseBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline
  • 2+ years of experience developing and/or processing aerospace or aviation systemsPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
    • 2+ years of hands-on experience building, maintaining, modifying, troubleshooting and operating ground support equipment
    • Experience operating fluid, mechanical or electrical systems and background working with complex, multi-disciplinary system assemblies
    • Experience planning, executing, leading and improving operations involving more than 10 personnel
    • Experience with critical operations where real-time decision-making affects success criteria
    • Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily communication/interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
    • Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
    • Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
    • Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
    • Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency
    • Strong background with hazardous chemical/material handlingADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
      • Willing to travel
      • Willing to work outdoors and in maritime environments
      • Ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment; good response to problems posed by short deadlines; prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
      • Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea
      • Position may require long hours (10-12+ hour days) and weekend work
      • Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
      • Ability to climb ladders and work in tight/confined spaces
      • Willing to work with hazardous materials
      • Ability to operate heavy machinery
      • Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
      • Must have a valid driver's license
      • Position is subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testingCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay range:
        Recovery Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
        Recovery Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year
        
        Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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Keywords: SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, Rosemead , Booster Recovery Engineer, Long Beach, Engineering , Long Beach, California