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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER, RAPTOR ENGINE FEEDLINE (STARSHIP)

The Propulsion Systems Engineer role is responsible for developing the fluid systems to enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and building feedline system to feed Raptor engines on Starship, the longest and technically the most challenging feedline system ever designed in the history of space!

The role includes sizing vehicle feedline components, engaging in detailed mechanical design, performing structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. The Propulsion Systems Engineer will develop the concept of operations for their systems, from acceptance testing to in-flight operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• A tremendously immersive, fast-paced environment - you’ll be expected to own large business outcomes and experience a rate of personal and professional growth that is unmatched literally anywhere else
• Responsible for the design, development, and testing of feedline systems that feed liquid methane and liquid oxygen into Raptor engines through all phases of the flight
• Perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure the feed system’s survivability  
• Develop 3D models and release associated drawings, design documentation, and reports
• Work closely with the fluid team to define loads and implement them in the analysis
• Work closely with the manufacturing and build team to make sure designs are suitable for mass production and to resolve any issues that arise during manufacturing
• Responsible for optimizing feed system components design for mass and cost
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical or structural design, analysis, modeling, and drafting (competition team or intern experience qualifies)
• 3+ years of experience with commercial FEA packages (e.g. ABAQUS, ANSYS, NASTRAN)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in an engineering field
• Experience with large assembly finite element analysis (non-linear FEA and coupled fluid-structural analysis is a plus)
• Background in cryogenic fluid mechanics (multiphase) and heat transfer analysis
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)
• Experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD package
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information (strong understanding of engineering fundamentals)
• Experience working at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based at Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island area), and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility required
• Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          Propulsion Systems 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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and 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.