Propulsion Analyst, Turbomachinery (Raptor)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options (long-term incentives)

Discretionary bonuses

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, California, is seeking a Propulsion Analyst, Turbomachinery (Raptor) to contribute to static, thermal, and dynamic analyses for the Raptor turbomachinery and inform design decisions.

You will perform FEA, hand calculations, and collaborate with hardware and test teams across all flight phases, with a bachelor's degree and 1+ year of experience in structural analysis or design. SpaceX offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 1+ years of experience in structural analysis or design required (internships/EC qualify).
• Masters degree preferred for advanced roles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, document, and present static, thermal, dynamic, and durability analyses for Raptor Turbomachinery through FEA and first principles.
• Output requirements and capabilities for engine/stage interfaces for all flight phases.
• Collaborate in driving analyses through engine component design cycles.
• Ensure model predictions are grounded in reality with a practical hands-on approach.
• Work closely with hardware and test teams to drive model anchoring and design improvements.

Skills

Statics and materials mechanics

FEA setup and post-processing

Hand calculations

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to deliver on schedule

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in mechanical/aerospace/physics or related

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

PROPULSION ANALYST, TURBOMACHINERY (RAPTOR)

Raptor Structural Analysts ensure that the world's most advanced rocket engine is capable of withstanding formidable pressures, extreme 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, a structural analysis role may be for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct, document, and present static, thermal, dynamic, and durability analyses for Raptor Turbomachinery through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability and 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
• Work closely with hardware and test teams to drive model anchoring and design improvements

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in structural analysis or design (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proficient in statics, mechanics of materials, durability, 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
• Able to deliver on schedule
• Masters degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional industry experience in structural analysis and/or design of engine hardware

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range

• Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
• Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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 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.

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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affinity Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].