Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Components)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to develop advanced engine control components for space exploration. This role involves designing, analyzing, and testing flow control devices, ensuring reliability and manufacturability in extreme environments. You will lead projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and influence vehicle architecture for future missions. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and eager to contribute to humanity's journey to Mars, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation (3 weeks)

Paid holidays (10 or more)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Long-term incentives

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in mechanical systems design and analysis.
• Strong leadership and communication skills across teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop reliable flow control devices and optimize production processes.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Problem Solving

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership

Mechanical Systems Design

Fluid Systems Understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Test Instrumentation

High Voltage Systems

Electro-mechanical Devices

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 (RAPTOR COMPONENTS)

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 state-of-the-art, manufacturable, 99.9% reliable flow control devices. Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries.
• Safely implement thorough component testing and checkouts across multiple build and test sites.
• 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.
• Set the standard for rigorous component design and qualification testing, increasing scrutiny as the vehicle program matures in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions.
• Generate and improve detailed drawings, component specifications, analysis, and risk assessments.
• Partner with supply chain, manufacturing, testing, and flight teams to achieve SpaceX’s most reliable, highest rate components, striving for high factory yield and automotive volume/cost.
• 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.
• Be chief engineer, collaborating with peer/engine/vehicle teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the program goals. Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both.

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.
• Master's degree or 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Experience designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Understanding of fundamental principles in fluid systems, solid mechanics, and/or electrical systems.
• Hands-on experience with fluid, gas, mechanical, high voltage, or test instrumentation and control.
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, gears, actuators, motors, valves, regulators, or pumps.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 10% travel in support of hardware testing and launch operations.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

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. 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.

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.