Manufacturing Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices Machining)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to influence and solve challenges in Raptor machining. You will ensure robust processes between manufacturing and design engineers to optimize cost, quality, and production rates.

The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics, and at least 1 year of manufacturing experience. A strong understanding of machining concepts is essential, and additional skills in CAD are preferred.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including student projects or internships.
• Strong experience in machining hardware and process development from R&D to volume manufacturing.
• Experience writing work instructions for aerospace parts.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement machining processes for quality and production rate.
• Collaborate with teams to solve production problems effectively.
• Drive processes toward statistically controlled environments.

Skills

Machining concepts

Problem-solving

Fast-paced work

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline or physics

Master's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering

Tools

3D computer-aided design

Job description

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.

Manufacturing Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices Machining)

As a Manufacturing Engineer for Raptor machining, you will have the opportunity to influence, scale, and solve challenging problems relating to the production of Raptor machined piece parts and processing. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment with ever-changing scope and focus areas. This individual understands how to best design for manufacturing and will conceptualize/implement full-scale production processes for machining our critical hardware within production rate and cost goals.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and implement machining processes to help solve for engine cost, quality, and production rate - specifically focused on valve, turbopump, thrust chamber or injector hardware.
• Work between manufacturing and design engineers, machinists, technicians, and quality to ensure processes are robust and any production problems are quickly solved.
• Partner with design to identify and implement design for manufacturing (DFM) updates at both the piece part and system level, own change management into production.
• Aggressively implement machining process controls that allow parts to run 'lights out'. Leverage latest technologies and programming strategies to reduce in-cycle intervention.
• Be responsible for part or part family quality; understand quality landscape, and drive projects to ensure dimensions meet part requirements with low overhead.
• Drive machining processes toward statistically controlled (SPC) environment. Develop and implement tools needed to show capability.
• Oversee full circle machining process from fixture design and manufacturing, CAM programming and program refinement, cutting tool selection, and buyoff/inspection methodologies.
• Constantly challenge each process, part, operation to create the most manufacturable and reliable engine hardware possible.
• Work with production to ensure the hardware you are responsible for is delivered on time or ahead of schedule.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and products revisions, frequently multiple at a given time.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment (student project team and internship experience qualifies).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong experience with machining concepts, problems and producing hardware.
• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, problem-solving environment.
• Experience in design or product development engineering role.
• Master's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and initiatives in parallel.
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis (3D computer-aided design).
• Experience with process development from R&D to volume manufacturing.
• Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts.
• Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry.

Additional Requirements

• This is a hands‑on position that will require standing for long durations of your day and working directly with hardware on the floor.
• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
• Position may require occasional travel, long hours or weekend work.

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.

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