First Stage Fluids Lead

Description

Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. As the Stage 1 Fluids Lead, you will have extreme ownership over all aspects of the vehicle fluid systems design, layout, assembly, test, launch, and refurbishment for a 100% reusable rocket designed to fly daily. You will be the chief engineer, project manager, and lead systems engineer for the entire fluids system. You will work closely with the rest of the design, manufacturing, and operations teams through all phases of the product lifecycle. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the first stage fluids architecture, conceptual design, requirements, and CONOPs in coordination with owners of other portions of the vehicle.
• Develop and maintain system interfaces with respective vehicle subsystems.
• Develop and maintain the schedule and budget for the vehicle fluids systems.
• Develop launch operations procedures and vehicle operational limits in coordination with mission operations personnel.
• Develop a plan for launch automation; expect to make most fluid operations automated.
• Define the verification plan and manage the execution of development test campaigns on full-scale tank and fluid systems, proving out vehicle fluid CONOPS, component performance, and automation before flight hardware is made.
• Track risks and execute appropriate mitigation plans.
• Drive the design and manufacturing of numerous vehicle fluid system components and interfaces as part of the vehicle design, including: heat exchangers, reaction control systems, propellant fill/drain lines, engine inlet flexible feedlines, pneumatics, instrumentation, tubing, re-pressurization systems, diffusers, valves, cavity purges, vents, propellant estimation systems, quick disconnects, pogo and anti-geyser systems, and stage-separation systems.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in design, build, and testing of vehicle fluids systems, valves, or engines
• Proficiency working with interdisciplinary technical teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers (team leadership experience preferred)
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals, and ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways to a fast-paced development program
• Extensive experience with CAD tools and configuration management (Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred)
• Extensive experience with operation and testing of pneumatic, hydraulic, and cryogenic systems
• Exceptional command of fundamentals, including compressible flow, thermodynamics, control systems, cryogenics, and instrumentation
• Proficiency with fluid analysis tools (Siemens AMESim, Sinda/Fluint, or equiv)
• Proficiency with revision control systems such as Git
• Hands on experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
• Proficiency with mentoring and training designers
• Ability to lead
• Ability to follow
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar
• Willing to relocate to Seattle, WA

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Flexible scheduling
• Equity

Compensation:  

Target levels:

• Level 3 Range: $120,900 - $181,300
• Level 4 Range: $147,700 - $221,600

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.