SpaceX has a new job posting for “Launch Engineer, Starship Operations” in Cape Canaveral:“The Cape Starship Operations Engineer...for Starship and Super Heavy vehicle development and initial launch capability from Launch Pad 39A.”
LAUNCH ENGINEER, STARSHIP OPERATIONSCape Canaveral, FL, United StatesSpaceX 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.LAUNCH ENGINEER (STARSHIP OPERATIONS)The Cape Starship Operations Engineer plays a critical role, and is responsible for design, build, and operations for Starship and Super Heavy vehicle development and initial launch capability from Launch Pad 39A. Engineers will be working in multiple disciplines: fluids, structures, instrumentation, civil, and manufacturing.RESPONSIBILITIES:Assist in the design and development of mechanical and fluid launch systems for the Starship and Super Heavy vehicle at our Cape Canaveral launch siteDevelop novel ways site wide to streamline processes and increase the reliability of Starship operationsProjects will range from site development for fabrication, automated welding systems, launch pad fluid systems, to small custom valves for fluid systems, test fixtures, and automated mechanismsUse your well-rounded technical knowledge to display proficiency in basic structural sizing, mechanisms, and design while making development decisions based on cost and schedule considerationsDirectly support the fabrication of tooling and ground support equipment at the launch site facilitiesCollaborate with both design and fabrication engineeringEnsure that all parts are received and inspected at the correct time to facilitate the build scheduleParticipate in tool design and developmentDevelop production, activation, and operations procedures/processesResolve manufacturing discrepancies and interface with the cross functional teamsBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering2+ years of experience working with mechanical processes in a manufacturing environment 2+ year of hands-on fabrication, assembly, and/or testing experiencePREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master's degree in an engineering disciplineExperience designing large mechanical systems within a fast paced environment requiring high-levels of autonomy and design creativityStrong experience using a high-end CAD software design package (e.g. Unigraphics, CATIA, or ProE)Previous experience managing large assembly models and drawingsAble to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managersAble to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environmentSelf-motivated and directed with keen attention to detailDemonstrated expertise in the design of welded structuresStrong understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)Experience designing mass efficient structuresOngoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of workAble to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environmentDetail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgencyExperience with metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape CanaveralAbility to lift 20-30 lbs., standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying may be required to perform the functions of this positionWilling to travel for undetermined periods of time with limited noticeAbility to work extended hours as needed to support project milestonesITAR REQUIREMENTS:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
Although we knew they were exploring the possibility, I think that's the first official confirmation that they plan on launching development vehicles out of 39a?
I think it's just for the Starship prototypes, no idea where they will launch the full stack from.
The Cape Starship Operations Engineer plays a critical role, and is responsible for design, build, and operations for Starship and Super Heavy vehicle development and initial launch capability from Launch Pad 39A.
... Anybody have any thoughts on how SH could use the existing flame trench? It'd be hard from where the Starship test pad is proposed to be located.
Have you ever felt like someone wrote a job description pointed at you?
Quote from: TheRadicalModerate on 07/05/2019 07:02 pm... Anybody have any thoughts on how SH could use the existing flame trench? It'd be hard from where the Starship test pad is proposed to be located.Maybe no F9 or FH and switch completely to SH/SS? If memory serves, the flame trench can do it.
That is not feasible anytime soon. They have large contracts for F9/FH flying from that pad. You can't just throw away your existing vehicles before the replacement has even flown.
Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
I feel that their best bet might be to move Falcon Heavy and Crew Dragon launches to other launchpads, so they can convert LC-39A to only launch Super Heavy/Starship. However, since there aren't that many spare launchpads floating around in Florida, that might become an issue. I know SLC-40 can be adapted for Crew Dragon with the addition of a crew arm, but it's too small to launch Falcon Heavy from. However they decide to tackle this problem will certainly be interesting indeed.
What I haven't seen in any of the conversations of retrofitting 39A to handle starship is the potential of RUDs. 39A is too important to crew Dragon and Falcon heavy and starlink cadence when those launches start for, in my opinion, them risking 39A to a test rocket that frankly will probably at least once RUD. It would be far safer if they are going to use 39a as the launch site, to build a side launch as has been pictured. The shorter distance between the two would lower tremendously the chance of a RUD doing any significant damage to the main pad that couldn't be repaired in short order. I also question if the prep building could handle F9, Falcon Heave AND Starship. It looks full and busy most of the time now from pictures released. Frankly I'm of the mind that ultimately they'll move Starship to another pad entirely to test. I would not be surprised seeing as what there is in Boca that initial flights of the FL startship take place from the landing site.
Quote from: Cheapchips on 07/05/2019 12:09 pmAlthough we knew they were exploring the possibility, I think that's the first official confirmation that they plan on launching development vehicles out of 39a?Yes, I think that's true in terms of something said by SpaceX itself.
It's right there in the very first ITS video released in 2016...