Sr. Propulsion Analyst, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

United States Digital Space LLC; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term cash awards

Discretionary bonuses

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Health, vision, dental insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays per year

Paid sick leave

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Sr. Propulsion Analyst, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor) to analyze the Raptor Chamber and Nozzle with FEA and first principles, ensuring performance through liftoff and landing.

You will collaborate with hardware and test teams, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to mission-critical propulsion work. A Bachelor's in engineering or Physics and 5+ years in structural analysis are required; a Master’s is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or Physics; 5+ years in structural analysis.
• Master’s degree preferred; strong knowledge of statics, mechanics of materials, fatigue, dynamics, or heat transfer.

Responsibilities

• Conduct static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue/fracture analyses for Raptor Chamber and Nozzle using FEA and first principles.
• Define output requirements for assemblies for all flight phases.
• Collaborate to drive analyses through engine component design cycles.
• Ensure model predictions reflect reality with hands-on validation.
• Work with hardware and test teams to anchor models and drive design improvements.
• Mentor less experienced engineers on analysis best practices.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA

Hand calculations

Team mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or Physics

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

Tools

FEA software

Post-processing

Job description

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling 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
• 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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s Affi should reach out to [e-mail].