Software Engineer, Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentives

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP (SpaceX) is seeking a Software Engineer specializing in Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis in Hawthorne, CA. The role involves improving the accuracy of models for rocket engines, conducting analyses to support design upgrades, and collaborating with engineers to optimize processes. Competitive salary ranges from $125,000 to $175,000 per year depending on experience.

Join a passionate team dedicated to developing technologies for human life on Mars, with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, stocks, and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience writing computer software.
• 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.
• Conduct engine cycle analysis to steer future-state engine design.
• Automate processes for predicting test performance.

Skills

Dynamical systems modeling

Programming in Python, C#/.NET, C++ or Java

Physics-based simulations

Version control

Numerical analysis techniques

Signal processing

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM discipline

Tools

Unix-like operating systems

Job description

Software Engineer, Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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 of enabling human life on Mars.

The Raptor Systems Modeling and Control Team is responsible for the power‑balance, optimal control, and calibration of one of the world’s most prolific and advanced rocket engines. The team aids in root‑cause analysis for anomaly resolution, providing data and model‑driven insights supporting operations and components teams in high‑consequence decision making. Our models and analysis are relied upon day‑in-and‑day‑out to evaluate the safety and optimality of flight trajectories. With hundreds of engines, hundreds of simulations, and hundreds of hot‑fire operations, the work we do guides both the engine design process and operation of every single mission and engine test. In this role you will work with brilliant, passionate engineers to develop rapid, seamless processes to translate engine test data into accurate predictions of future performance for the most reliable and cutting‑edge rocket engines in the world.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the accuracy of the lumped‑parameter thermofluid physics model of the Raptor engine
• Conduct 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, and 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 (guidance, navigation, and control) 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

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM discipline
• 1+ year experience writing computer software
• 1+ year experience with physics‑based simulations of real dynamic systems

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Dynamical systems modeling
• Experience with lumped parameter modeling of physical systems
• Experience implementing physics‑informed neural networks to solve real‑world engineering problemsData driven analysis of complex systems
• Experience inferring root cause from sparse measurements
• Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to team members, internal customers and management
• Experience building data pipelines providing sanitization, curation, visualization, exploration to high dimensional datasets
• Experience working with or simulating combustion engines or fluid systems
• Backend Development: deliver well‑tested, performant, and maintainable Python, C#/.NET, C++ or Java code
• Experience with version control, continuous integration, Unix‑like operating systems
• Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
• Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:
Level I: $125,000.00 – $150,000.00 per year
Level II: $145,000.00 – $175,000.00 per year

• Long‑term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, discretionary bonuses and Stock Purchase Plan participation
• Medical, vision, dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks
• Three weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year; paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced 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.