Details:

This role owns the automated systems that fuel, pressurize, and launch orbital vehicles. You will model cryogenic and pneumatic fluid systems, design the control logic that executes countdown and liftoff, and build high-fidelity simulations that validate launch operations before they touch hardware.

This is a high-ownership engineering role for builders who want their work to run live on launch day.

What You Will Do

Model

Develop high-fidelity simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
Model propellant loading, tank pressurization, and two-phase flow behavior

Automate

Design automation algorithms and control sequences for launch operations
Own logic that executes propellant conditioning, terminal count, and liftoff

Test

Build automated test pipelines across simulation, HIL, and CI/CD environments
Validate system behavior prior to hardware execution

Partner

Define interfaces and requirements with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams
Influence architecture decisions for future launch systems

Launch

Support live countdown operations from mission control
Monitor fluid systems and respond to anomalies in real time

Analyze

Evaluate ground test and flight data
Improve model fidelity and performance margins through iteration

Own

Take full ownership of major launch automation subsystems from design through flight

Comp Range: $130,000 – $160,000 base

Details:

5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems
Advanced degree in chemical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, physics, or equivalent
Strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink
Working knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and process control theory
Comfort with mass and energy balances, two-phase flow, and control loop design
Strong communication skills with ability to mentor and give technical feedback
Experience operating in fast-paced, iterative engineering environments

Preferred

Hands-on experience modeling cryogenic and fluidic systems
Background in chemical engineering, process engineering, or propulsion systems
Experience with launch vehicle ground support equipment or propulsion test stands
Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop and real-time system integration
Experience validating systems using SIL, HIL, unit testing, and Monte Carlo simulation
Exposure to hazardous fluid systems, high-pressure gas, or propellant operations

Regulatory & Eligibility Requirements

Role subject to ITAR and EAR export control regulations
Employment contingent upon eligibility to access controlled technologies and government contracts

Senior Launch Automation Engineer

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