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.

SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES)

The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for owning the development, production, and operation of combustion hardware from concept through to successful flight operations. You will drive all necessary work to effectively and safely develop and fly your hardware on the most advanced full flow staged combustion engine on the largest launch vehicle in history.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the success of hardware design and requirements, delivery of production at target throughput rates, and reliable operating performance at the integrated engine level
• Coordinate team of peers through informal leadership and self-directed program organization to achieve goals. Assign clear responsibilities and hold teammates accountable for execution. Collaborate with engineers from other teams to design and develop hardware that meets high level engine objectives
• Identify, organize, and drive design changes related to department priorities such as simplification, reliability, and performance
• Manage the transition of prototype parts from concept through development to production and operations
• Establish requirements for hardware and work with other responsible engineers to ensure adjacent systems meet requirements vice versa
• Develop test requirements and participate in test operations early in the part life cycle to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flight
• Perform analysis on data from test and flight operations of the hardware. Iterate the results from data into improved designs, as well as make critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with CAD to design parts and assemblies
• 5+ years of experience working with rocket or jet engine hardware or high-pressure fluid systems in a design, manufacturing, analysis, or test capacity

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
• 6+ years of professional or intense academic experience working with jet or rocket engines or other high-pressure fluid systems with high consequence of failure
• Experience designing for manufacturing and implementing designs into manufacturing process, including troubleshooting and iterating designs based on downstream feedback
• Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, combustion processes, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++)
• Demonstrated ability to act with good engineering judgment and execute high quality work in a technical environment on tight timelines
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics), ANSYS or Fluent
• Self-motivated to solve complex problems
• Demonstrated ability to organize and motivate a team of peers to achieve program goals
• Experience generating, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings
• Experience working in project teams in a professional role, or in student teams such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Challenge, or Hyperloop
• Experience analyzing test data and making technical decisions based on findings
• Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, additive manufacturing, welding, forming, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 10% travel in support of hardware testing and launch operations
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

• Propulsion Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.