Propulsion Engineer, Avionics Manufacturing (Raptor)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision and dental coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer for the Raptor avionics manufacturing team in Hawthorne, CA. You will build and scale in-house production, automate processes, and own the production line for avionics hardware including PCBAs, sensors, harnessing, and more.

The role emphasizes developing manufacturing processes, qualifying capabilities, and ensuring on-time delivery of flight-ready hardware in a fast-paced environment. Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• 1+ years manufacturing experience (internships ok).
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and optimize the production line for avionics parts.
• Develop and qualify manufacturing processes for avionics production.
• Maintain process ownership including quality, tooling, and safety.
• Create work instructions, training docs and maintenance plans.
• Interface with vendors, supply chain and internal teams for NPI.
• Ensure on-time delivery of flight-ready hardware.
• Investigate failures and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Sensors knowledge

Electronics packaging

High-volume manufacturing

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Minitab

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Wire bonding

Laser welding

Epoxy dispense

Soldering

Job description

Propulsion Engineer, Avionics Manufacturing (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Raptor Avionics team designs, manufactures and tests all avionics installed on Raptor engines. As a propulsion engineer on the Raptor avionics manufacturing team, you will develop, qualify, automate manufacturing and test processes, and scale up in-house production across avionics hardware including PCBAs, sensors, harnessing, and more.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build the production line that builds the parts.
• Develop and qualify manufacturing processes for avionics production. Challenge requirements, simplify parts and processes, optimize, accelerate and automate where possible.
• Maintain holistic ownership of the production line, including process consistency, quality, tooling, capital equipment, ergonomics, and safety.
• Create and maintain production work instructions, training documents and maintenance planning.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions, often multiple at a time.
• Interface with vendors, supply chain and internal teams for new product introduction and change management.
• Partner with production teams to ensure on-time delivery of flight-ready hardware.
• Investigate failures, document findings, and drive corrective actions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment (internships may be included).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced knowledge of various physical sensors and how they are operated, designed, and manufactured.
• Experience with instrumentation and electronics packaging for harsh environments.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with specialized processes such as wire bonding, laser welding, epoxy dispense, or soldering.
• Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team environment.
• Data analysis experience with Python, MATLAB, Minitab or other data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• This is a hands-on position that requires standing for long durations and working directly with hardware on the floor.
• Position may require occasional travel, long hours, or weekend work.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay ranges:

Level 1: $100,000.00 – $117,500.00

Level 2: $115,000.00 – $140,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is one part of a total rewards package that may include stock or long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and a 401(k) plan, among other benefits.

You will also receive access to medical, vision and dental coverage, and may be eligible for paid time off, holidays, and other perks. SpaceX complies with applicable laws governing equal employment opportunities.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, a protected individual, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.