Senior Launch Automation Engineer
Darwin has partnered with a fast-paced startup in the Bay Area to find a Senior Launch Automation Engineer who will own the algorithms and software that automatically load, fuel, and launch orbital rockets.
What you’ll do
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Develop real-time simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and fluid systems used in launch operations
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Build and own launch automation software for propellant loading, pressurization, countdown, and liftoff
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Create and validate models using MATLAB/Simulink, including SIL/HIL environments
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Partner closely with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams to define and execute launch operations
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Support live countdowns, monitor systems, and respond to anomalies in real time
What we’re looking for
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5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems (fluids, thermal, or process systems)
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Strong MATLAB/Simulink and physical system modeling experience
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Background in chemical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, or similar
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Comfortable owning complex systems end-to-end in a small, fast-moving team
Ideal backgrounds
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Chemical or process engineers with heavy software and simulation experience
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Controls engineers with strong physical system modeling skills
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Propulsion or test engineers who’ve modeled fluid systems
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Aerospace engineers with a fluids/thermal focus
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Kimberley Govender