ABL Space Systems

Launch & Test Engineer

El Segundo, California, United States

$90-165k

Full Time

10 minutes ago

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Job description

ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, we’re building a launch system we are truly proud of – no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches. We’re an ambitious team with big goals and, together, we’re determined to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine.

When launch day arrives, we want you by our side

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. 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 groundsystems, 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
Travel in excess of 60% to ABL's sites in Mojave, Kodiak, Edwards AFB, VSFB, CCSFS, SaxaVord Spaceport, and beyond

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of 2+ 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:

Demonstrated 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
High-pressure gas experience
Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment
Experience with Cryogenic systems
Experience in low-cost commercial / start-up space ventures
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
Experience with generating and executing test plans

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

Passion for space and a firm belief in the utility of simple and affordable access to space
Critical thinking: ABL engineers understand the “why” behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes
Ability to deal with ambiguity: ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective
End-to end ownership: projects are delivered fully complete and ready for fligh

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

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%)

The salary range for this role is $90000- $165000. This is the lowest to highest salary 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 salary 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.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.

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.