Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Sr. Propulsion Engineer, where you'll be at the forefront of designing fluid systems for groundbreaking interplanetary vehicles. This role involves a blend of mechanical design, structural analysis, and collaboration with manufacturing teams to bring innovative concepts to life. You'll engage in the entire process—from system sizing and design to testing and production—ensuring that every component meets the high standards required for space exploration. If you're passionate about aerospace engineering and ready to tackle exciting challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Short and long-term disability insurance

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 4+ years of mechanical or fluids design experience required.
• Experience with pressurized components and fluid dynamics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze fluid systems for interplanetary vehicles.
• Coordinate development and testing of flight hardware.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Fluid Dynamics

Structural Analysis

GD&T Concepts

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering

Bachelor's or advanced degree in mechanical engineering

Bachelor's or advanced degree in materials engineering

Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering physics

Tools

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software

Siemens NX

Job description

SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Sr. Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for developing the fluid systems to enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and building a wide range of fluid systems across the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles.

The role includes sizing vehicle fluid systems, engaging in detailed mechanical design, performing structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. Systems will include high-pressure gas storage and control, cryogenic fluid management, attitude control systems, and thermal control systems. The Sr. Propulsion Engineer will also develop the concept of operations for their systems, from acceptance testing to in-flight operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform fluids system sizing analysis to determine basic system requirements
• Transform system requirements into hardware concepts and trade implementation and architecture options
• Design a range of pressurized and unpressurized structures and parts to enable system capability, creating original CAD models and prints
• Perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure survivability
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• Drive the first builds of flight hardware and work with a manufacturing team to establish a production line
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware
• Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
• Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or engineering physics
• 4+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 4+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering
• 4+ years of experience with GD&T concepts
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations and design considerations
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
• Experience with Siemens NX or other similar CAD package
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Flexibility to travel to remote build sites

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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.