Sr Propulsion Analyst, Chamber & 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 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.