Propulsion Simulation & Data Analytics Engineer

Frontdoor Defense; Hawthorne, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

401(k) retirement plan

Medical, vision and dental coverage

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Parental leave

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Propulsion Engineer for Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis to develop predictive models of the Raptor engine using test data and guide design decisions. The role focuses on lumped-parameter models, engine cycle analysis, anomaly resolution, and scalable data tooling to predict flight performance and support GNC software validation.

PhD not required; a Bachelor’s in a STEM field and 1+ year in physics-based simulations are expected, with strong programming

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM discipline.
• 1+ year experience with physics-based simulations of real dynamic systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the accuracy of the lumped-parameter thermofluid physics model of the Raptor engine.
• Conduce engine cycle analysis to steer future-state engine design and thrust upgrades.
• Conduct anomaly resolution utilizing the engine model and sparse instrumentation.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the physics underlying rocket engine performance, sources of performance variability, as well as related modeling and measurement techniques.
• Maintain and improve the accuracy of the representation of the Raptor engine used in integrated vehicle simulations, control software validation and flight Monte Carlo analysis.
• Develop tools and portals to understand the sources of engine performance variability and enact improvements to manufacturing and engine hardware design.
• Automate processes and software tools that are used to predict test performance and generate flight performance predictions for GNC and flight software.
• Collaborate with engineers across the company to extend and improve interoperability among existing tools as well as to standardize hardware and software practices, tools, and methods to maximize functionality and value while minimizing future overhead and obsolescence

Skills

Dynamical systems

Physics-based simulations

Python

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Job description

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Propulsion Engineer for Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis to develop predictive models of the Raptor engine using test data and guide design decisions. The role focuses on lumped-parameter models, engine cycle analysis, anomaly resolution, and scalable data tooling to predict flight performance and support GNC software validation.

PhD not required; a Bachelor’s in a STEM field and 1+ year in physics-based simulations are expected, with strong programming