Sr. Propulsion Analyst, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Propulsion Analyst focused on Chamber and Nozzle analysis for the Raptor engine. You will perform static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue analyses using FEA and first principles to verify performance during all flight phases.

You will collaborate with design and hardware teams, ensure model credibility with hands-on validation, and mentor junior engineers while delivering on tight schedules. This role is based in Hawthorne, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s 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.
• Proficient in statics, mechanics of materials, fatigue, dynamics, and/or heat transfer.
• Experience with FEA setup and post-processing.
• Able to perform hand‑calculations to validate and improve models.
• Hands‑on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, or similar complex fluid and structural systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to deliver on tight schedules.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, document, and present static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue/fracture analyses for Raptor Chamber and Nozzle through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and first principles to ensure performance requirements are met.
• Output requirements and capabilities for assemblies for all phases of flight.
• Collaborate in driving necessary analyses throughout engine component design cycles.
• Ensure model predictions are grounded in reality through a practical hands‑on approach.
• Work closely with hardware and test teams to drive model anchoring and design improvements.
• Mentor less experienced engineers on analysis best practices.

Skills

Statics & mechanics

FEA experience

Hand calculations

Interpersonal skills

Ability to meet tight schedules

Dynamic analysis

Fatigue analysis

Heat transfer

Mechanics of materials

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or Physics

Master’s degree in mechanical/aerospace/materials/physics

Tools

FEA software

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out 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.

SR. PROPULSION ANALYST, CHAMBER AND NOZZLE (RAPTOR)

Raptor Structural Analysts ensure that the world's most advanced rocket engine is capable of withstanding extreme pressures, temperatures, vibrations, accelerations, and aerodynamic loading from liftoff to landing. These engineers have a keen eye for detail and complex physics that enable successful performance of Starship's engines. If you possess an affinity for physics, structural mechanics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges while working with engine hardware, this Chamber and Nozzle focused role may be for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct, document, and present static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue/fracture analyses for Raptor Chamber and Nozzle through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and first principles to ensure performance requirements are met
• Output requirements and capabilities for assemblies for all phases of flight
• Collaborate in driving necessary analyses throughout engine component design cycles
• Ensure model predictions are grounded in reality through a practical hands‑on approach
• Work closely with hardware and test teams to drive model anchoring and design improvements
• Mentor less experienced engineers on analysis best practices

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or Physics
• 5+ years of professional experience in a structural analysis field

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or physics
• Proficient in statics, mechanics of materials, fatigue, dynamics, and/or heat transfer
• Experience with FEA setup and post-processing
• Able to perform hand‑calculations to validate and improve models
• Hands‑on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, or similar complex fluid and structural systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to deliver on tight schedules

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $135,000.00 - $215,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Aff…?? Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].