New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion (Raptor)

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

Hawthorne, CA

Overview

SpaceX is actively developing the technology to enable human life on Mars and is looking for a Propulsion Engineer to join the Raptor team—the world’s most advanced rocket engine powering Starship’s journey. The role involves mechanical design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of high‑performance flight hardware, with a focus on efficiency, reusability, and rapid iteration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next‑generation rocket engines, test stands, and production lines.
• Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis to assess, optimize, and evolve designs.
• Iterate on manufacturing processes and development testing in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate hardware with all Raptor systems and support mission operations.
• Own large business outcomes and drive personal and professional growth within the program.
• Participate in the transition from building hardware to launching reusable rockets to orbit.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics.
• 1+ year of mechanical and/or fluid‑systems engineering experience through projects, internships, or professional work.
• Graduating in the spring, summer, or fall of 2026.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong analytical skills for data‑driven decision making.
• Ability to conduct trade studies and provide clear recommendations using first principles.
• Experience in a nimble, entrepreneurial engineering environment with tight time or budget constraints.
• Proven competitive achievements in engineering, math, or science contests or top percentile academic performance.
• Hands‑on hardware development experience or passion for building real‑world products.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and demonstrate rapid growth in responsibility.
• Resilience and capacity to overcome challenges in pursuit of ambitious goals.
• Academic success at a rigorously regarded institution (minimum GPA 3.5/4.0, 95th percentile standardized test scores, or merit‑based scholarship).

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 – $115,000.00 per year. Salary may vary based on experience, education, and skills.

Eligible for long‑term incentives, company stock, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation (3 weeks), and paid holidays (10+). Paid sick leave per company policy.

Equitable Employment

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is governed on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.