Senior Facilities 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 FACILITIES ENGINEER (FLUIDS & CRYOGENICS)

As a Sr. Facilities Engineer (Fluids & Cryogenics) at our Starlink Production facility, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and efficiency of our mechanical systems. You will be responsible for troubleshooting, evaluating, and improving various mechanical systems, including compressed air, cryogenic, and hydronic systems site-wide. Your expertise will drive continuous improvement initiatives, support sustainability goals, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Additionally, you will be tasked with designing upgrades and overseeing the installation of new mechanical systems and processes, with the goal of creating a world-class facility that can support the mission of connecting people across the globe and enabling life beyond Earth. This position is based in Redmond, Washington. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the design, installation, and maintenance of industrial compressed air systems, including compressors, dryers, filters, receivers, piping, and controls. 
• Lead the design, installation and maintenance of industrial cryogenic systems, including liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, and gaseous nitrogen. 
• Support the operation and maintenance of plant utility systems, including process exhaust fans, pumps, chillers, compressors, reverse osmosis skids and other critical equipment. 
• Perform equipment sizing, selection, and engineering calculations for pumps, valves, pressure vessels, compressors, and related mechanical systems. 
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment failures, system-level issues, and safety-related concerns. 
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to improve reliability of critical mechanical assets. 
• Monitor and optimize utility system performance with a focus on equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and lifecycle cost reduction. 
• Review engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment submittals, and technical specifications to ensure design integrity and compliance. 
• Lead commissioning, acceptance testing, startup, and shutdown activities for mechanical utility systems. 
• Collaborate with controls, automation, and electrical teams to integrate mechanical equipment with PLC, SCADA, and BMS platforms. 
• Manage contractors and vendors for maintenance activities and capital projects, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget adherence. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards for mechanical systems, pressure vessels, piping, cryogenics, and safety. 
• Provide rapid response for emergency troubleshooting and restoration of critical utility systems to minimize production downtime. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering discipline 
• 5+ years of professional experience with compressed air systems, cryogenic systems, and other industrial utility systems 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Advanced degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering discipline 
• Previous experience overseeing the design and installation of process gas and cryogenic piping systems 
• Proven ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment 
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail 
• Strong working knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and process engineering 
• Strong knowledge of rotating equipment, including positive displacement pumps, rotary screw compressors, vacuum pumps, process fans and other utility equipment's 
• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including ASME, NFPA, OSHA, ANSI, and API 
• Demonstrated project management skills with experience leading capital projects, managing equipment vendors, and coordinating cross-functional engineering teams 
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, integrated team environment with daily interaction across technicians, engineers, and managers 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Physical ability to perform hands-on work in various environments, including heat, cold, rain, and tight quarters 
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed 
• Ability to travel occasionally as required by project needs 
• Valid driver's license 
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $135,000.00 - $190,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.