Mate, Recovery (Marine Operations)
SpaceX
Operations
Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
Posted on Nov 25, 2025
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.
MATE, RECOVERY (MARINE OPERATIONS)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead all aspects of safe operation, navigation, standards, and crew management of SpaceX’s Recovery vessels Bob & Doug operating in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and/or Caribbean.
- Sustain an environment that integrates vessel crew and recovery specialists.
- Assist in all planning related to: voyage planning, day-to-day operations, offshore vessel operations, and the safety of all personnel onboard, primarily supporting recovery missions and other tasks as necessary.
- Responsible for administrative reports and logbooks according to regulation and standards, and ensuring ship-wide compliance with appropriate programs and standards.
- Assist shoreside leadership in planning vessel maintenance periods, large-scale projects, and mission operations.
- Continuously develop crew skillset and training proficiencies for vessel and mission operations.
- Cultivate and maintain a vessel crew culture that aligns with SpaceX’s mission and Marine Operation department initiatives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of experience in an off-shore mate/master role
- US Coast Guard medical certificate (STCW)
- Current (non-expired) USCG license, and ability to pass relevant USCG examinations; federal facility background checks, re-certifications, and chemical testing
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 500 Ton Master upon Oceans MMC
- Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage MMC
- Able Seafarer - Deck
- 5+ years of experience in an off-shore Mate role
- 3+ years of professional experience working in a role that deals with examinations or licensing-efforts with US Coast Guard (USCG) and/or American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) regulations
- Knowledge of vessel management systems, safety management systems, and regulatory programs such as OPA 90, MARPOL, ABS, etc.
- Willingness to sail, if needed to support off-shore missions depending on resources available
- Willing to work outdoors and in maritime environments, and able to work flexible hours during mission support periods
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Willing to work a 28/14 schedule
- 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.