Recovery Engineer (Falcon)

As a Recovery Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include ensuring mission readiness through the management of droneship system non-conformances, coordinating and troubleshooting offshore operations, and proposing enhancements to recovery hardware, software, and procedures. You’ll work with a range of engineering teams to promote continuous improvement, particularly in the realms of fluid, electrical, mechanical, and software systems.

To qualify for the Recovery Engineer (Falcon) position at SpaceX, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and at least two years of experience in a related field such as test automation or operational engineering. Preferred skills include experience with integrating complex systems and PLC programming methods, alongside familiarity with testing hazardous systems.

In addition to a bachelor's degree and required experience, preferred skills for the Recovery Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX include a solid background in fluid, electrical, mechanical, and software system integration, familiarity with complex automated controls, experience in project management, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams.

Teamwork is crucial for a Recovery Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX. You’ll be working closely with various teams to troubleshoot and optimize operations for offshore recovery. The fast-paced environment thrives on collaboration, so being able to work effectively with others while driving to achieve common goals is essential.

Yes, as a Recovery Engineer (Falcon) at SpaceX, you should expect to travel to additional recovery sites in support of launches. Travel could involve up to 10%, and being willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed is also part of the role.

When troubleshooting complex system failures, it’s essential to systematically analyze the situation. Break down the malfunction into smaller components, check the data and logs, and collaborate with team members who may have insights. Make sure to document the failure and resolution process for future reference.

In discussing your experience with control and monitoring automated systems, share specific examples of projects where you managed complex setups, highlighting any software tools or methodologies used. Emphasize troubleshooting and optimization to showcase your hands-on experience.

Safety is paramount when working with hazardous systems. Always ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn, follow established safety protocols, and conduct thorough risk assessments. Communicate potential hazards clearly with your team to mitigate risks effectively.

Share an engineering project where you faced significant challenges, discussing the steps you took to overcome these issues. Focus on problem-solving, teamwork, and any innovations you brought to the project that helped enhance the final outcome.

To ensure that my engineering recommendations are based on sound data, I always review all available information, validate data sources, and apply appropriate analytical methods. Presenting my findings with clear justifications makes them well-supported and actionable.

Discuss the various tools and software you’ve worked with in automation and systems integration, such as PLC programming tools, monitoring systems, and any specific platforms relevant to the Recovery Engineer role. Be sure to explain how these tools contributed to project success.

To manage tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, utilize project management techniques, and maintain open communication with my team. Being proactive and flexible helps me adapt to changing demands while ensuring project deliverables are met on time.

The future of autonomous recovery operations looks promising, with advancements in AI and machine learning likely enhancing decision-making processes for droneships. Discuss how these technologies can improve operational efficiency, reduce risks, and support ambitious space exploration goals.

Learning from failures is crucial in engineering. Share an instance where a project didn’t go as planned, explaining what went wrong and the specific lessons learned. Explore how these lessons helped you improve processes and decision-making in subsequent projects.

Express your passion for space exploration and how the Recovery Engineer (Falcon) role at SpaceX aligns with your skills and career goals. Highlight your excitement about contributing to groundbreaking projects and your commitment to the company’s mission.