Propulsion Engineer, Components Manufacturing (Raptor)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Accrual of paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Hawthorne, CA, seeks a Propulsion Engineer for the Raptor engine team. The role requires developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for key engine components, engaging in design and production operations, and collaborating with design engineers. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering and experience in fluid or system design is required. The position offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits including 3 weeks paid vacation and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with engine, fluid, or system design, development, fabrication, or assembly.
• Experience in liquid rocket engines, spacecraft systems, and/or pressurized fluid systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing processes for components in the Raptor engine.
• Oversee implementation of new products and revisions.
• Coordinate teams to achieve goals and motivate peers.

Skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Job description

Propulsion Engineer, Components Manufacturing (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA

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, COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING (RAPTOR)

The Raptor Components team develops the most advanced engine control components in the world. Our engineers are hardware experts for flow control devices that enable the Raptor engine, integrating pneumatics, mechanical, electrical, and software into integrated packages that enable streamlined manufacturing and engine operation. We design, analyze, build, test, and fly components for simplicity, manufacturability, and reliability in extreme thermal, pressure, and vibe environments. You will use and expand your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will own the relationship between your hardware and suppliers, customers, and test teams while spearheading your own projects. You will provide input into vehicle architecture trades and take a lead role in design and flight readiness on Starship, the vehicle that will make humanity multi-planetary.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing & integration processes for components & assemblies in the Raptor engine family. Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries
• 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
• Spearhead root cause investigations that arise in development, production, test, integration and launch, implementing corrective actions, proactively seeking out hardware issues and implementing solutions early
• Coordinate team of peers through informal leadership and self-directed program organization to achieve goals. Assign clear responsibilities, motivating and holding teammates accountable for execution
• 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

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving, and desire to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes
• Strong leadership project management skills and experience, and effective communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience working with liquid rocket engines, spacecraft systems, and/or pressurized fluid systems
• Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM), with demonstrable success at taking products through development, testing, and production
• Understanding of fundamental principals in fluid systems, solid mechanics, and/or electrical systems
• 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:

Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Propulsion Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 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 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, 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 Affirmitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].