Propulsion Stage Systems Engineer (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) to design and optimize propulsion and fluid systems for the Starship vehicle. You will craft requirements, develop models, and coordinate with production and launch teams to ensure performance and reliability.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in a relevant engineering field, 1 year of design experience, and strong thermodynamics, propulsion knowledge, and programming skills (Python/MATLAB).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering.
• 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience.
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain top-level requirements for stage propulsion components.
• Create and maintain thermal/fluid models of stage systems.
• Design stage control timing, valve sequencing, and mission CONOPs.
• Support production, test, and launch operations across SpaceX facilities.
• Review stage checkouts, non-conformances, and perform final inspections.
• Lead stage test plans, data reviews, and sign off on system acceptance.

Skills

System design

Thermodynamics

Python/MATLAB

Communication

Fabrication/testing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering (preferred)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) to design and optimize propulsion and fluid systems for the Starship vehicle. You will craft requirements, develop models, and coordinate with production and launch teams to ensure performance and reliability.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in a relevant engineering field, 1 year of design experience, and strong thermodynamics, propulsion knowledge, and programming skills (Python/MATLAB).