Entry-Level Propulsion Engineer — Reusable Rockets

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eligible for long-term incentives

Company stock

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) plan

Paid vacation (3 weeks)

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Hawthorne, CA is looking for a Propulsion Engineer to develop the world's most advanced rocket engines for Starship. The role includes mechanical design, analysis, and testing of high-performance hardware, focusing on efficiency and rapid iteration. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics, and 1+ years of relevant experience. Competitive salary range is $100,000 to $115,000 per year, alongside comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of mechanical and/or fluid-systems engineering experience.
• Graduating in the spring, summer, or fall of 2026.
• Academic success at a rigorously regarded institution (minimum GPA 3.5/4.0).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation rocket engines and production lines.
• Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for hardware integration.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Mechanical systems engineering

Fluid-systems engineering

Project management

Hands-on hardware development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics

Job description

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Hawthorne, CA is looking for a Propulsion Engineer to develop the world's most advanced rocket engines for Starship. The role includes mechanical design, analysis, and testing of high-performance hardware, focusing on efficiency and rapid iteration. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics, and 1+ years of relevant experience. Competitive salary range is $100,000 to $115,000 per year, alongside comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and paid vacation.