Manager, Falcon Recovery Operations
at SpaceX
Cape Canaveral, FL, United States
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.
MANAGER, FALCON RECOVERY OPERATIONS
The Manager of Falcon Recovery Operations is responsible for the overall performance of Falcon recovery within the launch and recovery department. Your organization will own all aspects of Falcon recovery operations on the east coast including include droneship operations, upgrades, repairs and all Falcon processing from landing to handoff at the port. As a leader, you must manage and tactically lead a team of technicians and engineers to achieve SpaceX’s manifest goals, and necessary launch rates for Starlink, commercial, and government missions. You will also be responsible for managing the organization's resources, infrastructure, budget, structure, size, capabilities, assets, and processes. This opportunity will provide a chance to demonstrate a never before achieved launch rate, changing the world and space exploration forever. We are looking for a creative, well-organized, outside-the-box, technically-top notch thinker that is eager for an adventure!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead Falcon recovery missions by managing a team of approximately 40 engineers and technicians across multiple locations, providing technical and strategic guidance
Responsible for contacting vendors, developing field procedures, and leading recovery operations
Work towards a fully autonomous droneship system that requires zero physical human intervention while out on mission
Improve current Falcon recovery methods by decreasing cost and increasing safety, efficiency, and reliability
Develop Falcon land landing capabilities by planning concept of operations, designing ground support equipment, and partnering with outside agencies to ensure regulatory requirements are met
Partner with SpaceX design and operation teams to ensure flown vehicles are processed quickly and efficiently in reusability preparation
Develop and execute on schedule and budget constraints regarding recovery missions, upgrades, and maintenance
Ensure systems are in place to guarantee hardware readiness – including, but not limited to, preventative maintenance, critical spares, and hardware testing
Write work orders and procedures to develop a reliable and consistent approach to Falcon recovery operations
Interface with the Coast Guard and other agencies to certify systems for use in the field
Train and certify personnel in use of recovery systems
Remain synchronized with all Recovery Operations (including Dragon and Fairing) to ensure commonality in both hardware and operations where applicable
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
4+ years of professional experience working with mechanical, electrical and/or fluids systems
3+ years of experience in the leadership of engineering projects
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
Offshore experience with complex naval systems
Experience planning, executing, and improving operations involving more than 10 personnel
5+ years of management experience
Strong background with hazardous chemical/material handling
Experience in writing test plans and test procedures
Experience with complex, multi-disciplinary system assemblies
Ability to respond accurately to challenges posed by short deadlines, under extended work hours
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to travel frequently as the job and mission requires
Willing to work outdoors and in maritime environments
Ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment for prolonged periods of time
Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea
Position may require long hours and weekend work
Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
Must have a valid driver’s license
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.