Sr. Recovery Engineer; F9 Booster & Fairings

Sr. Recovery Engineer (F9 Booster & Fairings)

Long Beach, CA

SpaceX, founded on the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting, is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars.

SpaceX operates the world’s first automated unmanned vessel certified to land orbital class vehicles. The Sr. Recovery Engineer will lead processing operations of landed Falcon 9 boosters and fairings at the Port of Long Beach.

• Own overall mission campaigns to process Falcon 9 boosters and fairings at the Port of Long Beach
• Develop procedures, test plans, and concepts of operation 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 to improve 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
• Support operations as needed as a trained vehicle controller and manually command the rocket for critical operations
• Create or modify automation for controlling the Falcon 9 booster to streamline processing
• Willingness to learn and grow engineering knowledge across flight hardware processing, tooling design, automation, and more
• Periodically embark on recovery voyages across the Pacific Ocean, joining elite teams to retrieve rockets and fairings in dynamic offshore environments while solving real‑world engineering problems

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

• 5+ 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 and 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 or 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:
Level 3 – $ to $

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through 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 various other discounts and perks.

You…