Propulsion Engineer, Combustion Devices Manufacturing (Raptor)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance bonuses

401(k) retirement plan

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer for Raptor Combustion Devices Manufacturing in Hawthorne. You will develop and optimize production processes for combustion device components, partnering with engineers and technicians to deliver reliable hardware for the Raptor engine.

You will apply DFMs, work with high-temperature alloys, and drive multiple product revisions while ensuring on-time delivery in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with engine, fluid, or system design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internship or project team experience is applicable)

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing and integration processes for combustion device components & assemblies in the Raptor engine family.
• Conceptualize, demonstrate, and drive to completion innovative manufacturing processes to support high rate production targets.
• Regularly challenge each process, part, and operation with design/development engineers to maximize manufacturability and reliability.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions, frequently multiple at a time.
• Maintain a holistic ownership over the production line including process, quality, tooling, capital equipment, ergonomics, and safety.
• Resolve recurring manufacturing nonconformance and interface with quality to implement corrective actions.
• Interact with a multi-disciplinary group of engineers and technicians on production, test, launch, and more.
• Interface with internal fabrication shops as well as vendors to meet production goals.
• Work with production teams to ensure the hardware is delivered on time or ahead of schedule.

Skills

Liquid rocket engines

DFM (design for manufacturability)

Welding & brazing fundamentals

High-temp alloys knowledge

Detail oriented

Rapidly changing environment

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

PROPULSION ENGINEER, COMBUSTION DEVICES MANUFACTURING (RAPTOR)

As a Propulsion Engineer for Raptor Combustion Devices 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. You will partner with passionate engineers, technicians, and others to solve difficult problems and drive towards creating the most manufacturable and reliable hardware possible for one of the world’s most powerful rocket engines.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing and integration processes for combustion device components & assemblies in the Raptor engine family
• Conceptualize, demonstrate, and drive to completion innovative manufacturing processes to support high rate production targets
• Regularly challenge each process, part, and operation while working closely with design/development engineers to create the most manufacturable and reliable engine hardware possible
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions, frequently multiple at a given time
• Maintain a sense of holistic ownership over the production line, including process consistency, quality, tooling, capital equipment, ergonomics, and safety
• Resolve recurring manufacturing nonconformance's and interface with quality team to implement corrective actions
• Interact with a multi-disciplinary group of engineers and technicians on a daily basis in support of production, test, launch, and more
• Interface with internal fabrication shops as well as vendors to meet production goals
• Work with production teams to ensure the hardware you are responsible for is delivered on time or ahead of schedule

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with engine, fluid, or system design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internship or project team experience is applicable)

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience working with liquid rocket engines, spacecraft systems, and/or pressurized fluid systems
• Knowledge of aerospace applications for metals such as steel and aluminum, as well as high temperature alloys such as Inconel, molybdenum, niobium, etc.
• Familiarity with fundamentals of common joining processes such as brazing and welding
• Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM), with demonstrable success at taking products through development, testing, and production
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals for structural and fluids-based applications
• Highly detail oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment
• Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team environment

Additional Requirements

• This is a hands‑on position that will require standing for long durations of your day and working directly with hardware on the floor
• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
• Position may require occasional travel, long hours, or weekend work

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range

Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

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 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 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.

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