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.

PROPULSION ENGINEER (DRAGON)

A Dragon Propulsion Engineer is responsible for the continued development of propulsion and fluid systems of the most advanced manned spacecraft in the world. These systems currently deliver cargo and crew safely to and from International Space Station, but further iterations and new designs will likely be necessary to extend humankind's reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop (design, analyze, build, and test) propulsion engines, fluid components (e.g., valves, instrumentation, etc.), tanks/pressure vessels, and/or fluid systems for the Dragon spacecraft
• Own critical spacecraft propulsion hardware/systems, as every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware
• Interface with our world-class production team to ensure designs are successfully translated into the fleet of Dragon spacecraft that is revolutionizing access to space

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or physics
• 1+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team and internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components
• Experienced in NX 8.5 or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994
• Proficient in basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuits
• Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
• Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, electron beam welding, orbital tube welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
• Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
• Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principals and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends, as needed
• Able to travel to remote sites in Texas, Florida, and Central California as needed
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay range:    Propulsion Engineer /Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    Propulsion Engineer /Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/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.