Ark Vessel Assistant Engineer

Long Beach, CA Aerospace Full-time Posted Oct 14, 2026
Apply on SpaceX (opens in a new tab) Sourced via boards.greenhouse.io · Posted 2026-10-14

About this role

SpaceX is hiring a Ark Vessel Assistant Engineer, full-time, on-site in Long Beach, CA, in the Aerospace sector.

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 (1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd 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 .

Description from SpaceX's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

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About SpaceX

SpaceX

Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. Starlink and Starship. Hawthorne, CA.

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Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Larry Sherwood Jr.

Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.

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Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.