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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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%)

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.