SpaceX 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.

SPACE OPERATIONS TRAINING ENGINEER

Helping to manage spacecraft operations requires mental dexterity, rigorous understanding of the spacecraft’s subsystems, and a strong understanding of contingency options. SpaceX’s Space Operations Training team is responsible for helping all of the operators that control and monitor SpaceX Dragon vehicles to master these skills. Beyond SpaceX internal operators, they also train the NASA astronauts that capture and unload Dragons aboard the International Space Station and the astronauts that fly aboard Dragon.

The team has developed a comprehensive training program to turn recruits into fully certified operations team members who are responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of astronauts and cargo into space. As a member of the team, you would help to create a myriad of training materials and run simulations to help prepare the operations teams for flight. In this role you would also be expected to become a Dragon operator, using your skills and first-hand experience to train new and experienced operators effectively.

As we prepare for the first flights of our Dragon 2 spacecraft, you would play a pivotal role in helping the Space Operations Training team to develop the world’s best flight operations team and crewmembers. If you’re creative and have a strong passion for engineering and teaching, come join us as we work to recapture America’s capability to launch astronauts to space and return them safely to Earth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop technical training materials (e.g. presentations, demonstrations, etc.) for internal operators and external customers
• Schedule, plan, and conduct training for Dragon operators and crewmembers
• Create evaluation criteria and schemas to track training performance
• Plan, script, and test training simulations
• Successfully complete training to become a certified Dragon operator
• Act as a mentor for new operators and a subject-matter expert on Dragon spacecraft systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 3+ years of professional experience in technical training or real-time mission operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Familiarity with launch vehicles or spacecraft systems
• Master’s degree in a technical discipline
• Previous spacecraft engineering experience
• Previous experience training personnel for a challenging operational role
• Basic understanding of C++ and Python scripting
• Capacity to balance conflicting opinions and manage expectations between multiple teams
• Able to be flexible and adapt in a changing and fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• When necessary, must be willing to work long hours and weekends to support launch operations and critical project timelines

ITAR 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.