Propulsion Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Propulsion Engineer for Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor). You will own hardware across production, test, launch, and reuse, partnering with the Raptor team and manufacturing engineers at the factory to drive robust, high-performance engine hardware.

The role is hands-on and offers growth as an engineer and leader, requiring collaboration with designers, analysts, and technicians to optimize mass, cost, and reliability while supporting flight operations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline required.
• 1+ years of hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and/or project management experience via internships, labs, clubs, or professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Own Raptor chamber and nozzle hardware including parts and assemblies.
• Collaborate with technicians and manufacturing engineers to streamline production processes.
• Interface with Texas teams for hot fire operations and testing.
• Review designs and analyses for chamber/nozzle hardware and operating requirements.
• Lead anomaly investigations and drive to closure with stakeholders.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

NX CAD

GD&T

Job description

Propulsion Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is in 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.

In this position you will own Raptor Chamber and Nozzle parts and projects spanning production, test, launch, and reuse. You will work within the product team owning either sea level or vacuum configuration hardware. You will work alongside designers, analysts, and manufacturing engineers at the Raptor factory. This is a hands‑on role and an excellent opportunity to have technical ownership of Raptor hardware at the cutting edge of spaceflight, while developing personally as an engineer and leader.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible technical owner for Raptor chamber and nozzle hardware including piece parts, thrust chamber assembly, and/or nozzle extension
• Work closely with technicians and manufacturing engineers to develop and streamline production processes and unblock issues
• Interface with Texas teams for hot fire operations including engine testing, stage testing, and flight. Monitor testing and perform inspections, data, and photo reviews as required
• Review designs and analysis for chamber and nozzle hardware, develop deep understanding for operating requirements and part history
• Own anomaly investigations and drive to closure with supporting teams. Manage risk tickets and mitigations ahead of flight operations
• Collaborate with chamber and nozzle designers, analysts, manufacturing engineers, and relevant stakeholders to develop and ultimately release new block upgrades to improve mass, cost, reliability, and performance
• Collaborate with Raptor responsible engineers across the department on system and vehicle level trades to drive large scale changes to engine hardware

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

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• System level understanding of liquid rocket propulsion
• Demonstrated understanding of thermal structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
• Experience with manufacturing methods such as machining, forming, assembly, welding, brazing, printing, etc.
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principals and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
• Experience with CAD software such as NX, including drafting and GD&T
• Success working on a cross‑functional team including engineers, production, and/or supply chain
• Strong communication and organizational skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional travel in support of launch, test, or manufacture of hardware
• Flexibility in working hours to support launch, test, and manufacturing cadence

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

• Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00 per year
• Propulsion Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

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 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‑term 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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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.