Raptor Propulsion NDE Engineer — Automation & Data

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 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