Propulsion Engineer, Additive (Raptor)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a passionate Propulsion Engineer specializing in additive manufacturing. This role involves designing, developing, and testing cutting-edge additive processes, ensuring quality and efficiency in production. You'll work with a dynamic team to enhance printer capabilities and optimize manufacturing techniques. With a commitment to advancing the commercial space industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects in aerospace. If you're motivated by challenges and eager to make an impact in human spaceflight, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Short & long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Various discounts

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline required.
• 1+ years of hands-on fabrication and project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive projects to enhance printer platforms based on data acquisition.
• Collaborate with engineers on design and testing of additive processes.
• Implement process improvements for additive manufacturing.

Skills

Additive Manufacturing

Project Management

Process Improvement

Machine Troubleshooting

Optics and Lasers

Aerospace Design Specifications

Engineering Materials Properties

Thermodynamics

Fluid System Testing

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in aeronautical, astronautical, or mechanical engineering

Tools

Additive Machines

Data Analysis Systems

Job description

PROPULSION ENGINEER, ADDITIVE (RAPTOR)

The Additive Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for design, development, and testing of all facets of the additive process with a focus on machines, software, part design and analysis, and additive techniques.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive and identify projects to make the printer platforms more robust and repeatable based on machine issues, failed builds, and sensor monitoring/in process data acquisition
• Be an active contributor within a team of engineers who perform the design, development, and testing of all facets of the additive process using powder-bed and powder-fed approaches
• Continually identify and implement process improvement efforts on every step of the additive process
• Advise and collaborate with the design team to incorporate and optimize features for additive manufacturing
• Generate/optimize build files to produce high quality parts in minimum time with maximum consistency
• Work with materials engineers to investigate properties, geometric accuracy, and surface finish results to develop optimal print parameters, heat treatments, and design allowable for existing and new alloys
• Develop and maintain systems to efficiently collect and analyze process data while minimizing collection/entry burden
• Develop and document best practices on new equipment and processes
• Identify and implement safety improvements throughout the additive manufacturing process

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline
• 1+ years of professional hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and/or project management experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in aeronautical, astronautical, or mechanical engineering
• Experience with operating additive machines, including parameter development and process control
• Experience with troubleshooting/repairing machines
• Knowledge of various additive and subtractive manufacturing and joining techniques for metals
• Solid understanding of optics and lasers
• Knowledge of relevant aerospace design and test specifications, such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5009, AIAA-S-080, and NASA-STD-5017
• Familiarity with common engineering materials properties (strength, life, thermal, fluid compatibility etc.) and processing attributes particularly for titanium or nickel-based alloys
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals
• Proficient in basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuits
• Hands-on experience with aerospace component or fluid system testing, including pressure, hot-fire, and environmental testing
• Excellent communication skills and ability to succinctly present recommendations
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment
• Highly self-motivated and able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment

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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.