Propulsion Development Engineer (Raptor Flight)

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Propulsion Development Engineer to take charge of hardware from concept to flight operations. This role involves collaborating with talented engineers to ensure the highest reliability and performance of rocket engines. You will engage in design, analysis, and testing, while also managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive under pressure and are passionate about aerospace technology, this is the perfect opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems.
• Experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform design and analysis for Raptor engine propulsion systems.
• Collaborate with engineers for reliable engine performance.
• Support live test and flight operations as primary console operator.

Skills

Pressurized fluid systems

Hardware design

Engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB)

Thermodynamics

Control systems concepts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Join to apply for the Propulsion Development Engineer (Raptor Flight) role at SpaceX.

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 DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLIGHT)

The Propulsion Development Engineer role is responsible for taking hardware from concept through to flight (and re-flight) operations, and everything in between. Pursue all processes necessary to effectively and safely prepare and fly world-changing launch vehicles. Work with brilliant, passionate engineers to rapidly develop methods to achieve airline-like operations for the highest performing rocket engines in the world.

Responsibilities

• Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems.
• Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for important objectives, and set the performance bar at a high standard of excellence.
• Enable high launch cadence with unparalleled reliability through automated analysis of test and flight data; expand existing capabilities and develop new algorithms to improve reliability and thoroughness of all flight processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians from various disciplines to achieve successful and reliable engine performance in flight and during ground testing, and to refine designs for increased reliability and reduced costs.
• Support live test and flight operations as the primary console operator.
• Exercise risk-conscious decision-making skills under high pressure across multi-disciplinary systems.
• Support vehicle-level readiness and data reviews for the engine system.
• Represent the engine system as a responsible engineer to the rest of the vehicle, ground, customer, and administrative disciplines.
• Develop test plans and analyze test results to support test and flight operations.
• Execute walkdowns and support hardware troubleshooting in the field.
• Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification processes through automation and process controls.
• Fully own critical spaceflight hardware with profound responsibility.
• Balance competing priorities and manage several dynamic projects simultaneously, assessing the needed level of detail for each task.
• Push tasks to completion with urgency and ownership.
• Adapt quickly to changes in direction, schedule, priority, and depth to stay aligned with program needs.
• Operate effectively in high-stress environments with grit and endurance.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test, and/or flight.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and basic analysis skills.
• Proficiency in principles of compressible/incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials.
• Experience developing hardware from concept to prototypes and refining designs for robustness and autonomy.
• Experience with engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Liquid engine development experience or working with pressurized fluid components like valves and pneumatic systems.
• Experience working in a rapidly evolving, technical environment.
• Ability to act and execute in an entrepreneurial manner.
• Familiarity with Starship engine and propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of control systems concepts.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel between CA and TX (up to 10%) for test and hardware development.
• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or eligible for required authorizations.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit and qualifications and not influenced by legally protected statuses. Applicants requiring accommodations or wishing to view SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan can contact [e-mail].