Propulsion Engineer, Engine Systems (Raptor)

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, ENGINE SYSTEMS (RAPTOR)

The Engine Systems team is responsible for top-level engine requirements, development trajectory, and final assembly hardware of Raptor. The Engine Systems team leads the development of future engines by establishing clear requirements for design and operation, drives architectural upgrades with vehicle and pad-system owners, and leads multi-disciplinary hardware investigations to ensure the engine system can reliably meet performance targets. The group also establishes system-level design reviews, supports first-article build planning, and drives the development plan of engine activation campaigns. Engineers on the team have a strong intuition of fluid and heat transfer mechanics, can clearly communicate to large groups, and are proactive in leading cross-team development efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own system level hardware, engine requirements, and related processes that are critical to overall engine function from design and build through testing and flight
• Interface with numerous teams within Raptor and Starship to ensure we are meeting engine requirements and building the most reliable, high performance vehicle-system possible
• Drive future engine design and development through top level ownership of large collaborative upgrades across the entire engine
• Own development hardware builds, first-article activation, and the overall engine development plan for each major block upgrade
• Own complex, interdisciplinary engine hardware or performance investigations with a clear path to closure
• Assemble trades and down select key architectural decisions with consensus among teams within Raptor and Starship
• Be the technical leader of overall development testing of the engine, working to manage the developmental direction of the engine on a regular basis, working closely with:
• McGregor development and test team to conduct high rate testing
• Raptor combustion devices, turbomachinery, AVI, chamber/nozzle, components, and supply chain teams to optimize development timelines across all systems toward a highly reliable, high rate, flight engine
• Other key stakeholders on the Starship team
• Perform hands-on work with design and manufacturing teams to understand the production process and provide feedback on hardware and process changes
• Be able to perform risk-conscious decision-making under pressure
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challenges
• Be proactive and flexible to changes in department/company strategy

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
• 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry, mechanics, and structural design in demanding environments
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar discipline
• 2+ years working in multidisciplinary teams, projects, or programs in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment
• Demonstrated ability at successfully troubleshooting/resolving hardware test issues or flight anomalies
• Experience in a test operational role for multiple test articles (engines, components, etc.)
• Familiarity with a CAD package like Siemens NX
• Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that requires a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time constraints and significant consequences of failure

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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 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.