Recovery Engineer; F9 Booster & Fairings

Recovery Engineer (F9 Booster & Fairings)

Long Beach, CA

Space

X 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 landed Falcon 9 boosters and fairings. Recovering and re-flying rockets is historic and has changed the industry for the future… and you could be a part of that team.

• Own overall mission campaigns to process Falcon 9 boosters and fairings at the Port of Long Beach
• Develop procedures, test plans, and concept of operations for F9 flight hardware processing and quick deliveries back to Vandenberg
• 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 the 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 preventative maintenance, critical spares, and hardware testing
• Remain synchronized with all recovery operations on both coasts to ensure commonality in hardware and operations where applicable
• Interface between Launch Teams, Vehicle Refurbishment, Flight Hardware Logistics, Ground Support Equipment, Responsible Engineers, and Recovery to improve overall strategies with Falcon 9 reuse

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience developing and/or processing aerospace or aviation systems

• 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

• Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment
• Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea
• 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

Pay range:

• Recovery Engineer / Level I: $100,000 - $115,000 per year
• Recovery Engineer / Level II: $110,000 - $135,000 per year

Additional compensation includes long-term incentives, company stock, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and an employee stock purchase plan. You will also receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other benefits. Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave policy are provided as outlined by the company.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or qualify under other specified categories. Please refer to the ITAR guidelines.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X 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.