Sr. Ground Segment Engineer

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.

SR. GROUND SEGMENT OPS ENGINEER

The SpaceX Ground Segment team is responsible for solving a wide array of communications challenges. We deploy, operate, and support our ever-growing worldwide launch pad network of communications antennas, optical tracking systems, and Starlink telemetry, tracking, and control antennas.

As an Automation and Operations Engineer, you are responsible for the collection of all critical telemetry required to verify orbital parameters, observe payload deploys, communicate with astronauts, and meet space flight regulations. You will be in direct control of the ground systems throughout the mission, starting with ground integration through launch and on-orbit operations. As a Ground Segment operator, you will be a core part of live, on-console operations in SpaceX mission control, where you will be problem-solving in real-time and making data-driven decisions to ensure success.

While not in the control room, you will maintain the team’s operational foundation by authoring procedures, writing and testing automation, and performing mission planning for all ground communications infrastructure supporting Falcon and Dragon missions. Your daily efforts to optimize ground station coverage will put you in direct contact with customers as well as vehicle, ground support, mission design teams. You will collaborate with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, and electrical design engineers to understand and evaluate how the ground segment assets should be operated and then execute on that vision. Working as a cross-disciplinary expert, you will ensure that the software and automation running the full system is safe and reliable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform real-time ground segment operations according to timeline, procedures and flight rules
• Ground Segment vehicle owner for Dragon operations and all related anomaly resolution, procedure and automation updates
• Support Falcon, and Dragon operations as a member of the flight control team
• Interface with external partners (private and government) to schedule/test/operate ground-to-space and ground-to-ground communication systems
• Own procedures, process improvements, configuration files, and scripting necessary for mission success
• Drive and support automation improvements for flawless execution of simultaneous missions and an increasing manifest with a small team of operators
• Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure operational cadence and ease of use requirements are considered in their design
• Coordinate worldwide telemetry services for day of launch/prelaunch activities
• Coordinate operator and asset schedules

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, IT/network operations/security, or science discipline
• 5+ years of operations experience with spacecraft, ground stations, IT/networks, or other communication systems
• 5+ years of project or industry experience with RF, controls, spacecraft, IT/networks, and/or communications systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with government organizations (USAF, NASA, FAA, FCC, NTIA, etc.)
• Experience working with and organizing technical data with strong attention to detail
• Experience interfacing with vehicle-side and ground-side teams to drive technical solutions that meet interdisciplinary criteria
• Experience developing link budgets and other engineering calculations related to system specification and design
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• LEO, MEO, and/or lunar orbit ground station operations and engineering experience
• Manipulation and use of tracking and orbit determination files, formats, and tools
• Experience working on technical teams in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, math, engineering, and physics
• Creative approach to problem solving, engineering, and design with exceptional analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience with Python
• Familiarity with Linux based operating systems
• Experience with automating complex systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Must be willing to travel as require