Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Flight Operations)

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

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role involves ensuring the reliability of the Merlin engine hardware and software, making critical decisions for engine processing, and supporting test and launch operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a solid engineering background, and a passion for space exploration. You will work closely with various teams to drive reliability and enhance the operational success of the Falcon launch vehicle. Join a forward-thinking organization where your contributions will play a vital role in shaping the future of space travel.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Various discounts

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with engines or fluid systems.
• Hands-on hardware experience in fabrication and testing.

Responsibilities

• Ensure flightworthiness of Merlin engine hardware and software.
• Support test and launch operations across all SpaceX facilities.

Skills

Analytical programming

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in mechanical/aeronautical engineering

Tools

Python

Git

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 (MERLIN FLIGHT OPERATIONS)

The Merlin Flight Operations team is dedicated to delivering Falcon and its payloads to orbit rapidly and reliably. The Propulsion Engineers on this team are responsible for ensuring flightworthiness of Merlin engine hardware and software over the life cycle of the engine, from initial build, through acceptance testing, and into flight (and re-flight) operations. Additionally, Propulsion Engineers are responsible for driving reliability-improving and rate-enabling initiatives to maintain the long-term success of Falcon as the most-flown, most-reliable launch vehicle in existence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Merlin engine and its operation


• Make critical decisions for the processing of Merlin engine hardware during build, test, integration, and flight to ensure 100% mission success


• Define, implement, and validate engine acceptance and operational requirements to promote reliability, rapid reusability, and streamlined processing of engines


• Take on primary responsibility for the success of Merlin engine(s) for a given test or launch campaign


• Support test and launch operations across all SpaceX facilities, including live on-console support from mission control


• Perform post-test and post-flight data reviews, and provide technical recommendations to Vehicle Maintenance team to enable rapid, reliable reuse of hardware


• Solve undefined and multi-disciplinary problems, interfacing with engineering and technician teams from all disciplines across SpaceX (e.g., production, test, launch, stage propulsion, avionics, structures, guidance, navigation & control, thermal and fluid analysis, flight and ground software, mission management, flight reliability, etc.)


• Work closely with commercial and government customers to drive down technical debt, mitigate flight risks, and ensure maximum hardware and software reliability


• Lead engine anomaly investigations and drive these investigations to resolution


• Develop new automation capabilities to enable extreme launch cadence - leverage coding for rapid test and flight data analysis, flight software verification, and other engineering processes and eliminate recurring work


• Optimize recurring test and mission tasks to enable an increasingly demanding launch manifest

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline


• 1+ years of experience working with engines or fluid systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering


• Analytical/scientific programming experience


• Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing


• Experience in collaborative coding within version-controlled repositories (i.e., Git)


• Experience with Python


• Proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials


• Basic familiarity with liquid propellant rocket engine cycles, liquid propellant launch vehicle fluid systems, and components used in launch vehicle fluid systems


• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management


• Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)


• Experience testing liquid propellant rocket engines and/or working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and/or pneumatic systems


• Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations


• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment - ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines


• Profound sense of personal ownership and extreme accountability


• Ability to think clearly and communicate concisely in high-pressure, time-critical situations


• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail


• Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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


• Must be willing to travel in support of test and launch operations


• Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg AFB

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 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. 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].