Senior Chamber & Nozzle Propulsion Analyst (Raptor)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Stock purchase / long‑term incentives

3 weeks vacation + 10+ holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Sr. Propulsion Analyst focused on the Chamber and Nozzle for the Raptor engine. You will perform advanced structural analyses, drive FEA studies, and collaborate with hardware and test teams to ensure engine performance under extreme conditions.

Ideal candidates hold a physics or engineering degree with 5+ years in structural analysis, prefer a Master’s in ME/AE/physics, and can mentor junior engineers while working on high‑stakes propulsion challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or Physics.
• 5+ years of professional experience in a structural analysis field.
• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or physics (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Conduct static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue/fracture analyses for Raptor Chamber and Nozzle using FEA and first principles.
• Define output requirements for assemblies across flight phases.
• Collaborate in engine component design cycles and drive analyses.
• Ensure models reflect real-world behavior and ground predictions in reality.
• Partner with hardware and test teams to anchor and improve designs.
• Mentor junior engineers on analysis best practices.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA

Thermal analysis

Dynamics

Fatigue/fracture

Hand calculations

Rocket engine experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or Physics

Master’s degree in ME/AE/materials/physics

Job description

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Sr. Propulsion Analyst focused on the Chamber and Nozzle for the Raptor engine. You will perform advanced structural analyses, drive FEA studies, and collaborate with hardware and test teams to ensure engine performance under extreme conditions.

Ideal candidates hold a physics or engineering degree with 5+ years in structural analysis, prefer a Master’s in ME/AE/physics, and can mentor junior engineers while working on high‑stakes propulsion challenges.