Aerodynamics Engineer, Turbomachinery (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Mississippi; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer specializing in turbomachinery for its cutting-edge propulsion systems. In this role, you will lead the design and qualification of turbopump components, ensuring they meet rigorous performance and reliability standards. Your expertise in aerodynamics and mechanical design will be crucial as you collaborate with a talented team to revolutionize space access. This position offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, tackling complex challenges while contributing to groundbreaking aerospace projects. If you thrive under pressure and are passionate about engineering, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in turbomachinery design is required.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and test turbopump components for spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Work with production teams to ensure designs translate into flight hardware.

Skills

Turbomachinery Design

Aero/Hydro Design

Mechanical Analysis

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX (Unigraphics)

ANSYS

Job description

AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER, TURBOMACHINERY (STARSHIP)

An engineer in this role will lead the design, development, and qualification of rotating and stationary flow path components for multiple turbomachinery applications at SpaceX, taking the designs from initial concept to flight or other operations. Being successful in this role will require a strong technical knowledge of turbomachinery, coupled aero/hydro and mechanical design, and a broader turbomachinery system understanding as well as the ability to work with a wider team of specialists in the various sub-systems. Ensuring that turbomachinery solutions are developed with aggressive manufacturing goals, minimum cost/weight, and on an aggressive schedule is also key to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, build, and test turbopump pumps and/or turbines for Starship propulsion systems
• Own critical turbomachinery components, as every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware
• Perform the aero/hydro sizing and flow path design and analysis work for the turbopumps and other turbomachinery for spacecraft systems
• Ensure that detailed mechanical analysis is performed on all the turbopump components/systems, reviewed, and meets the required standards for life and reliability targets
• Work with designers to prepare accurate and correct models and drawings for turbopump assembly and components, ensure that these drawings are correct and manufacturable with the available processes (or develop a process to enable them)
• Interface with our world-class production team to ensure designs are successfully translated into flight hardware that is revolutionizing access to space
• Work with teams developing other systems (combustion devices, valves, etc.) to ensure that the turbomachinery design is optimally integrated and that risks are well balanced across the system
• Support both component and assembly testing. Be involved with defining the test configuration, the test process/execution and review the results to confirm
• Lead the resolution of issues encountered with the turbopump during development/qualification testing
• Support ongoing design improvements to turbopump assemblies and/or sub-systems including manufacturing improvements to reduce the cost and lead time of components

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
• 3+ years of professional experience in the design of turbomachinery components
• Experience with commercial analysis (structural and fluids) software

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or higher in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
• Strong understanding of turbomachinery aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and mechanical design
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, and/or materials
• Hands-on experience with turbomachinery hardware build
• Experience with turbomachinery manufacturing and design of manufacturability
• Experience with turbomachinery testing and engine testing
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
• Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges
• Experience 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
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)