Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)

Spacex; McGregor, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test) to lead development tests for Raptor engines in a fast-paced lab environment. You will design, execute, and review engine-level tests, guiding technicians and collaborating with design teams to ensure flight-ready hardware.

The role requires hands-on testing, data interpretation, and a strong mechanical/aerospace background, with exposure to cryogenic and high-pressure systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of hands-on testing experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualifies)
• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience
• Experience in production and test systems
• Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
• Mechanical aptitude and experience
• Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role
• Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
• Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission.
• Repeated ownership of test campaigns; including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication.
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments based.
• Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including high pressure nitrogen and methane systems & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure.
• Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
• Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
• Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety.
• Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
• Operate test console and direct a team of technicians to execute test processes.
• Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
• Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware.
• Act as a conduit for completing the resource management process, including: planning, parts, coordination, skilled labor coordination, process verification, etc.

Skills

Hands-on testing

Test data analysis

Mechanical reasoning

Problem solving

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Unigraphics NX

Teamcenter

National Instruments

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 (RAPTOR TEST)

The propulsion engineer is responsible for ensuring Raptor engines and components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique development tests for Raptor engine testing on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a constant variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands‑on environment. Raptor Test Engineers have the opportunity to work on one of the world’s most complex engines to date, a full flow staged combustion engine! Join the team and our journey to Mars and we solve new challenges presented by unknown frontiers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission.
• Repeated ownership of test campaigns; including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication.
• Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
• Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments based.
• Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including high pressure nitrogen and methane systems & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure.
• Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
• Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
• Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety.
• Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
• Operate test console and direct a team of technicians to execute test processes.
• Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
• Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware.
• Act as a conduit for completing the resource management process, including: planning, parts, coordination, skilled labor coordination, process verification, etc.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands‑on testing experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands‑on extra‑curricular activities qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience
• Experience in production and test systems
• Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
• Mechanical aptitude and experience
• Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role
• Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
• Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves
• Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports
• Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
• Knowledge of hazardous systems- cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
• Knowledge of high pressure system design and handling
• Experience using test instrumentation and control components
• CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred) and Teamcenter, Novice skill level

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
• Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors and noise
• Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
• Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• 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 Aff… [e-mail].

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere.

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As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran’s discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.