Propulsion Engineer, Non-Destructive Evaluation (Raptor)

Starlink; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer in Non-Destructive Evaluation at the Hawthorne facility to develop and implement NDE methods for the Raptor engine, spanning sensors, scans, software, and qualification. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure coverage, sensitivity, and cycle-time targets meet production needs.

The role requires strong hands-on NDE experience, exposure to UT techniques, and collaboration across manufacturing, design, and leadership to drive reliable, high-rate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science.
• 1+ years hands-on with non-destructive evaluation techniques and processes.
• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline preferred.
• Knowledge of NDE techniques such as phased array UT, immersion UT, eddy current, digital radiography.
• Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and mathematical optimization.
• Understanding of hardware and software development and validation processes.
• Familiarity with JIRA or similar tracking systems.
• Knowledge of automation and controls.
• Experience with software and automation coding (LabVIEW, Python, C#, SQL).
• Ability to multitask across R&D and production initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop NDE inspection methods from feasibility to production cut-in.
• Design and prototype ultrasonic sensor systems, scan setups, and tooling.
• Collaborate with engineers on inspection requirements and producibility.
• Validate new techniques with modeling, bench-top trials, and production scans.
• Lead vendor management, tooling, and automation from requirements to on-site install.
• Build and deploy automated evaluation, data storage, and reporting pipelines.
• Define integration test plans and production-cut-in criteria.
• Present risk, performance, and recommendations to leadership.
• Debug hardware and software interactions at the inspection cell.
• Use production data to improve detection and reduce false calls.
• Train technicians on new inspection methods and support activation.

Skills

NDE techniques

Phased-array UT

Immersion UT

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

LabVIEW

Python

C#

SQL

JIRA

Automation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

C#

SQL

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, NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION

NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) Engineers ensure the structural integrity and reliability of the Raptor Engine. At the Hawthorne facility, you will utilize advanced NDE techniques, including phased-array ultrasonics and immersion ultrasonics to improve manufacturing processes. You will seamlessly integrate these methods with automated systems to enable high-rate production, drive optimizations, and ensure mission success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop NDE inspection methods from feasibility through production cut-in, covering sensors, scan development, software, and qualification
• Design and prototype ultrasonic sensor systems, scan setups, and part tooling to meet coverage, sensitivity, and cycle-time requirements
• Partner with responsible engineers on inspection requirements, designing parts for inspectability, method selection, and evaluation of production data
• Validate new techniques with modeling, bench-top trials, and production-representative scans before committing to full-scale hardware
• Drive vendors, tooling, and automation from requirements and procurement through on-site install, integration, and commissioning
• Build and deploy automated evaluation, data storage, and reporting pipelines that link inspection results to work orders
• Define integration test plans, qualification evidence, and production-cut-in criteria that track to the program schedule
• Present risk, performance, and recommendations to manufacturing, design, and leadership
• Debug hardware and software interactions at the inspection cell during development and production
• Use production scan data to improve detection performance, reduce cycle time, and eliminate false calls and escapes
• Train production technicians on new inspection methods and support them through process activation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, physics, or computer science
• 1+ years of hands-on with non-destructive evaluation techniques and processes

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline
• Knowledge of a variety of NDE techniques such as phased array ultrasonic testing, immersion ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, digital radiography testing, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and mathematical optimization
• Understanding of hardware and software development and validation process
• Familiarity with JIRA or similar task/feature tracking systems
• Knowledge of automation and controls
• Experience with software and automation coding (Labview, Python, C#, SQL)
• Ability to multitask, from developing technologies, project management, and training people throughout the introduction of multiple productive solutions, from inception and R&D to full-volume production
• Experience with problem solving tools and techniques: Practical Problem Solving, 8D etc."