Propulsion Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle Manufacturing (Raptor)

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

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join their Raptor Chamber and Nozzle Manufacturing team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to the production of next-generation engines. You will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring the highest quality standards. Collaborating with a talented team, you will tackle challenges in a dynamic environment, driving improvements and innovations in engine hardware. If you are passionate about aerospace engineering and eager to make an impact, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Various discounts

Qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, or project management experience.
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline required.

Responsibilities

• Own the fabrication of parts and assemblies within Raptor manufacturing.
• Resolve manufacturing discrepancies and maintain process consistency.

Skills

Fabrication

Assembly

Project Management

Manufacturing Techniques

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Machining

Welding

Brazing

Data Acquisition Systems

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 ENGINEER, CHAMBER AND NOZZLE MANUFACTURING (RAPTOR)

As a Propulsion Engineer for Raptor Chamber and Nozzle Manufacturing at SpaceX, you will have the opportunity to develop, implement, and optimize production processes for key sub-assemblies and components of the Raptor engine. The chamber and nozzle interfaces with many other engine components, both upstream and downstream, while operating under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. In this role, you will be the engineer responsible for the rapid manufacturing and integration of parts, processes, and assemblies used to build our next generation engines, providing input to both design/development and production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the fabrication of parts, processes and assemblies within Raptor thrust chamber and nozzle extension manufacturing.


• Resolve nonconformance and manufacturing discrepancies, interfacing with cross-functional teams.


• Regularly challenge each process, part, and operation while working closely with design/development engineers to create the most manufacturable and reliable engine hardware possible.


• Maintain a sense of holistic ownership over the production line including process consistency, quality, tooling, capital equipment, ergonomics, and safety.


• Interact with a multi-disciplinary group of engineers and technicians on a daily basis in support of production, test, launch, and more.


• Identify, coordinate, and drive design changes related to department priorities such as simplification, reliability, and performance.


• Develop and continually improve the manufacturing processes, process flow, tooling, test processes and procedures, including layouts of production facilities.


• Work with production and supply chain teams to ensure the hardware you are responsible for is delivered on time or ahead of schedule.


• Oversee high volume of introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.


• Interface with internal and external fabrication, automation and materials teams to meet production goals.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.


• 1+ years of hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and/or project management experience via internships, labs, clubs, extracurricular activities, or professional industry experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers.


• Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, brazing, welding, forming, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.


• Understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems.


• Experience generating, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings.


• Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM) with demonstrable success at taking products through development, testing, and production.


• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills - able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able stand for long durations (8 hours minimum) and work directly with hardware on the floor.


• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.


• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.


• 10% travel in support of launch and test of hardware.


• Flexibility in working hours to production and launch cadence.

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.

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