Data Scientist – Launch Operations (New Grad) – SpaceX
SpaceX is revolutionizing access to space — with the reusable Falcon 9 rocket achieving 300+ successful missions, the Crew Dragon spacecraft ferrying NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, and Starship aiming to make humanity multiplanetary. SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation has 6,000+ satellites delivering internet to 3+ million customers worldwide and is the world's largest active satellite constellation. Every SpaceX launch generates terabytes of telemetry data from thousands of rocket sensors — and SpaceX's data science teams use this data to improve rocket reusability, predict propulsion system anomalies, and optimize launch windows. We are hiring New Grad Data Scientists for SpaceX's Mission Assurance and Launch Data Analytics teams.
Responsibilities
- Analyze Falcon 9 and Merlin engine telemetry data — building anomaly detection models identifying out-of-family sensor readings that may indicate hardware degradation before launch
- Develop first-stage booster reusability prediction models — forecasting reflown hardware health from vibration, thermal, and acoustic measurements across multiple launches
- Build Starship test data analysis pipelines — processing millions of sensor channels from static fire and flight tests for SpaceX's Starship/Super Heavy program
- Develop Starlink satellite constellation analytics — modeling satellite lifetime, anomaly rates, and orbital decay patterns for constellation management planning
- Build propellant loading optimization models minimizing pre-launch turnaround time while maintaining safety margins for Falcon 9's rapid reusability program
- Implement statistical process control (SPC) models for SpaceX's Hawthorne manufacturing line — detecting production quality trends in rocket component fabrication
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, or Physics
- Python proficiency for signal processing and data analysis (scipy, numpy, pandas)
- Experience with time-series anomaly detection, statistical process control, or physics-based simulation
- Understanding of rocket propulsion, structural engineering, or control systems is highly valued
- US citizenship or permanent residency required (ITAR-controlled work)
Benefits
- Competitive salary with SpaceX stock options and annual bonus
- Work at the most ambitious engineering company in history — making humanity multiplanetary
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with SpaceX matching
- Hawthorne, CA headquarters with SpaceX's legendary mission-driven, fast-paced engineering culture