Sr. Propulsion Engineer, Engine Systems (Raptor)

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

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer to lead the development of the Raptor Engine Systems. This role demands expertise in fluid systems, hardware design, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. You will be responsible for system-level ownership, from defining requirements to ensuring compatibility with the vehicle. Your contributions will directly impact the future of space exploration, as you work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to drive the development roadmap and execute high-quality tests. Join a dynamic team where your skills will help shape the next generation of propulsion technology.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

3 weeks of paid vacation

10 or more paid holidays per year

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Discretionary bonuses

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems and hardware design.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and mechanics in demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Own system-level hardware from design to flight, ensuring high performance.
• Drive development roadmap for Raptor engine and lead testing operations.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid Mechanics

Structural Design

Troubleshooting

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER, ENGINE SYSTEMS (RAPTOR)

As a Senior Propulsion Engineer on the Raptor Engine Systems team, you will be responsible for guiding the development of future versions of Raptor as well as end-to-end ownership of one or more systems on the engine. In this role, you will be accountable for defining requirements, owning hardware, verifying capability, and ensuring compatibility with the vehicle for the system(s) you own. Your detailed knowledge of the Raptor engine will make you a leader in the engine development cycle, including detailed test planning, data review, on-console test support, and anomaly resolution. Raptor is a highly integrated, fully flow staged combustion engine on the Starship vehicle. System-level ownership requires excellent planning/vision, broad technical depth, and communication ability to work with hardware, fluids, operations, structures, GNC, software, and test teams across both Raptor and Starship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own system-level hardware and related processes critical to overall engine function from design and build through testing and flight.
• Establish hardware and operational requirements and work with other responsible engineers to ensure interfacing systems meet requirements to ensure we are building the highest performance, reliable vehicle system possible.
• Perform hands-on work with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to understand the production process and drive changes to improve overall hardware build rate and reliability.
• Communicate system capability and requirements such that the entire engine/vehicle system comes together as a cohesive, integrated unit through clear development roadmaps, execution of new designs, and efficient development test programs from concept design to flying Starship at high rate.
• Ownership of system through flight, including data review, reuse, and on-console support as needed.
• Drive the development roadmap for new versions of the Raptor engine through:
• Converting programmatic goals into concrete requirements for Raptor and Starship teams to follow while developing a new engine version.
• Developing test requirements and participating in test operations to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flight.
• Being directly involved in leading development testing via on-site travel to the McGregor test facility.
• Developing test plans for development objectives, reviewing data, and providing troubleshooting recommendations and solutions. Communicate results of the tests to impacted systems and drive any observed anomalies to closure.
• Be able to perform risk-conscious decision-making under pressure.
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challenges.
• Be proactive and flexible to changes in department/company strategy.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 4+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems.
• 4+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry, mechanics, and structural design in demanding environments.
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar discipline.
• 5+ years working in multidisciplinary teams, projects, or programs in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability at successfully troubleshooting/resolving hardware test issues or flight anomalies from analyzing test data.
• Experience in a test operational role for multiple test articles (engines, components, etc.).
• Familiarity with a CAD package like Siemens NX.
• Experience with executing high-quality work in a highly technical yet fast-moving environment with tight timelines and aggressive schedules.
• Experience with systems-level engine modeling.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to travel in support of test and launch operations.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Propulsion Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year.

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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.