Ark Vessel Assistant Engineer

SpaceX

Long Beach, CA

On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-level to senior maritime engineers who can lead mechanical systems maintenance and collaborate closely with vessel masters and officers.

Best fit for

Candidates with prior experience in maritime operations and a proven ability to lead mechanical systems maintenance
— “Lead and support the safe operation at sea and maintenance of vessel mechanical systems”
Individuals with a background in working with regulatory bodies like the USCG and ABS
— “3+ years of professional experience working in an offshore, vessel role that deals with examinations or licensing-efforts with US Coast Guard (USCG) and/or American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) regulations”
Professionals who are comfortable with long hours and can work in dynamic, mission-critical environments
— “50-hour work week is typical, and may vary depending on site operational needs, flexibility is required”

Things to consider

The role requires a valid Merchant Mariner Credential and random drug testing as part of the employment process
— “Position requires a Merchant Mariner credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing”
Candidates must be eligible for an Air Force background check and meet ITAR 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”
The role may require travel to other SpaceX locations, which implies significant mobility and adaptability
— “Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary; role may require travel”

How to stand out

Highlight experience with propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems in maritime contexts
— “Lead and support the safe operation at sea and maintenance of vessel mechanical systems including propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems”
Emphasize prior collaboration with vessel masters and licensed officers in managing resources
— “Work with the vessel’s master and/or licensed officer for the bunkering of vessel fluids and management of vessel bilge, oil, and fuel resources”
Showcase ability to maintain logs and reports in line with maritime regulations
— “Complete Engine Room reports, logbooks, and data collection in accordance with regulations and company standards”
Demonstrate a track record of supporting full-life vessel operations and maintenance
— “Support planning and maintenance in support of ongoing operations and ensure full-life support of the SpaceX fleet of vessels”
Include experience with repairs and readiness support in maritime environments
— “Work with the Marine Operations team to ensure the highest standards of readiness by personally assisting in repairs”

Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

vessel readiness
mechanical systems maintenance
report accuracy

Typical background

1+ years of professional experience in an offshore Chief Engineer, Assistant Engineer, or QMED role

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical Systems OperationElectrical Systems OperationAuxiliary Systems OperationReportingCleanliness And Upkeep

Preferred

Vessel Management SystemsSafety Management SystemsRegulatory Compliance

Stack & domain

Mechanical EngineeringMarine EngineeringNaval ArchitectureVessel Management SystemsSafety Management SystemsRegulatory ProgramsProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationMerchant Mariner CredentialAssistant Engineer UnlimitedMarineEngineering

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.
ARK VESSEL ASSISTANT ENGINEER
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead and support the safe operation at sea and maintenance of vessel mechanical systems including propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems, reporting to the Chief Engineer
Work with the vessel’s master and/or licensed officer for the bunkering of vessel fluids and management of vessel bilge, oil, and fuel resources
Complete Engine Room reports, logbooks, and data collection in accordance with regulations and company standards
Stand engine room watches as OICEW
Responsible for supporting the cleanliness and upkeep standards of the vessel while onboard
Support planning and maintenance in support of ongoing operations and ensure full-life support of the SpaceX fleet of vessels
Work with the Marine Operations team to ensure the highest standards of readiness by personally assisting in repairs or synchronizing support where required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)/license: Assistant Engineer Unlimited (1st, 2nd, 3rd AE)
1+ years of professional experience in an offshore Chief Engineer, Assistant Engineer, or QMED role
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical engineering, or other technical discipline
Knowledge of vessel management systems, safety management systems, and regulatory programs such as OPA 90, MARPOL, ABS classing, etc.
3+ years of professional experience working in an offshore, vessel role that deals with examinations or licensing-efforts with US Coast Guard (USCG) and/or American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) regulations
Willing to work outdoors and in maritime environments, and able to work flexible hours during mission support periods
Person in Charge (PIC) certification for bunkering
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base & Cape Canaveral
Position requires a Merchant Mariner credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with 46 CFR 16 and 49 CFR 40
Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX locations as necessary; role may require travel
50-hour work week is typical, and may vary depending on site operational needs, flexibility is required
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.

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)