Senior Launch & Test Engineer
El Segundo, California
Engineering – Launch & Test /
Full-time /
On-site
ABL Space Systems is driven by the vision that in ten years, missions to space will launch every day from around the world. We’ve set out to assure global access to space through the development of a low-cost launch vehicle and a modular ground system, RS1 and GS0.
Behind our business model is an exceptional team. Engineers, technicians and operators at ABL thrive on creating simple yet effective systems to tackle the challenge that space launch presents.
Launch is just the beginning. Join ABL in paving the way for the next-generation space platform.
SR. LAUNCH & TEST ENGINEER
Launch & Test Engineers are the end-users and final guardians of ABL hardware and the rocket before flight.
Launch & Test Engineers oversee everything from hardware testing and vehicle integration to ground systems and payload processing. As a Launch & Test Engineer, you will aid in the development, implementation, and operation of test and launch systems at our test site in Mojave and our launch sites. Your responsibilities include preparing the sites and hardware for engine testing, flight hardware testing, and preparing the vehicle for launch. On launch day, you will command ground systems and the vehicle during active operations, ensuring smooth execution both at the launch site and on test stands. With a deep understanding of the vehicle and ground systems, you will anticipate and manage operations several steps ahead. This role requires a hands-on individual with meticulous attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and write procedures to integrate hardware and validate software, avionics, and fluids systems on the launch vehicle and for ground systems.
- Perform launch and test operations (e.g., control room operations)
- Lead or contribute to anomaly resolutions as needed
- Assist in development and integration of launch processes and procedures
- Launch and mission operations support
- Design, operate, and maintain Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
- Review test data against established criteria to make go/no-go call on vehicle and hardware integrity
- Perform final vehicle closeouts and verify hardware is go for flight
- Process customer satellites and encapsulate into ABL's payload fairing
- Solve a variety of technical problems across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, cost, and long-term impact
- Travel in excess of 60% to ABL's sites in Mojave, Kodiak, Edwards AFB, VSFB, CCSFS, SaxaVord Spaceport, and beyond
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 6+ years of industry experience in a production, integration & test, or launch operations
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (or related discipline)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Demonstrate success in technically focused projects involving hardware design, build, and test of support equipment (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and/or fluids)
- Experienced with P&ID design and fluid instrumentation and control
- Experience with generating and executing test plans
- Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids
- High-pressure gas experience
- Experience with Cryogenic systems
- Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment
- Ownership of launch or test related projects including design, analysis, construction, and commissioning from beginning to end
- Experience with Cryogenic systems
- Experience in low-cost commercial / start-up space ventures
- Proficiency in 3D modeling (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
- Experience with FEA or CFD
- Experience with handling and transportation of unique project hardware
- Experience with vehicle-level integration, test, and launch operations of flight hardware
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills
- Experience with strategic planning, project scoping, budgeting, and scheduling
ADDITIONAL REQUREMENTS:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to stoop, bend, and crawl
- Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
- Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
- Must be willing to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment, but must be willing to perform work in field as required
- Must be willing to travel to launch and test sites to support integration, test, and launch work (travel in excess of 60%)
$145,000 - $210,000 a year
This is the lowest to highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the compensation range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
In addition to salary and equity, we offer:
- Low cost medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Company paid life insurance LTD coverage
- 4% 401k match
- Student loan repayment assistance program
- Paid parental leave
- Family planning assistance program
- Company paid financial wellness program
- Flexible vacation policy for exempt employees
- Relocation bonus offered to qualified candidates.
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.
