Propulsion Analyst, Structures (Raptor)

Spacex; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k)

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Paid vacation & holidays

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Propulsion Analyst, Structures (Raptor) to ensure the world’s most advanced rocket engine withstands extreme loads from liftoff to landing. You will perform static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue analyses using FEA and first principles, integrating with engine design teams.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering and 1+ years in structural analysis; preferred skills include fatigue, heat transfer, and hands-on validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (or higher) required.
• 1+ year in structural analysis, design, or manufacturing via internship, extracurricular, or full-time experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, document, and present static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue analyses on the Raptor engine via FEA and first principles.
• Define output requirements and capabilities for engine/stage interfaces for all flight phases.
• Collaborate to drive analyses through engine component design cycles.
• Ensure model predictions align with real-world behavior through hands-on validation.

Skills

Statics

Mechanics of materials

Fatigue

Dynamics

Heat transfer

FEA software

Hand calculations

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

FEA software

Hand calculations

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.

PROPULSION ANALYST, STRUCTURES (RAPTOR)

Raptor Structural Analysts ensure that the world's most advanced rocket engine is capable of withstanding extreme pressures, temperatures, vibrations, accelerations, and aerodynamic loading from liftoff to landing. These engineers have a keen eye for detail and complex physics that enable successful performance of Starship's engines. If you possess an affinity for physics, structural mechanics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges while occasionally working with engine hardware, this role may be for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct, document, and present static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue analyses on the Raptor engine through FEA and first principles to ensure performance requirements are met
• Output requirements and capabilities for engine/stage interfaces for all phases of flight
• Collaborate in driving necessary analyses throughout engine component design cycles
• Ensure model predictions are grounded in reality through a practical hands‑on approach

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years in structural analysis, design, or manufacturing via extracurricular, internship, or full‑time experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficient in statics, mechanics of materials, fatigue, dynamics, and/or heat transfer
• Experience with FEA setup and post‑processing
• Able to perform hand‑calculations to validate and improve models
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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 Affimative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail] .